Phyllis Joan Kelley, 89, of Nora Springs, Iowa, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Nora Springs Care Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City. Burial will be held in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N Hawkeye Ave, Nora Springs, Iowa, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Phyllis was born on December 2, 1934, the daughter of Theodore “Ted” and Margaret (Nelson) Arndt Sr. of Portland, Iowa. She was a graduate of Nora Springs High School. On August 29, 1953, Phyllis married Thomas Kelley and from this loving union two sons were born. Nora Springs is where Phyllis lived her entire life whether it was outside on an acreage or in town, but that was home. Once her sons were a bit older she began working at First Security Bank in Nora Springs until she retired.
As an active member of the community she was involved in the Nora Springs Community Catholic Group, Nora Springs Voting Booths, and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She also was a devout member of the Holy Family – Epiphany Parish for over 70 years.
After retiring Phyllis helped the school balance their books. She was able to travel, create ceramic art and spend more time with those who were most important to her. Phyllis was often able to enjoy many lunches with her sister, Peggy Majewksi and cousin, Joan Schulke during their retirement years. Phyllis loved her family, she never missed a sporting event for any of her grandchildren. Being a mother, and grandmother was what kept Phyllis so happy.
Phyllis will be greatly missed by many longtime friends plus new friends at Summit Heights Assisted Living, especially Irene. Thank you to the special staff at Summit Heights for the great care you gave our mom. Many thanks to the Nora Springs Care Center and St. Croix Hospice, too.
Those left to cherish memories of Phyllis are her children, Mike (Glennis) Kelley and John Kelley (Holly Nelson); grandchildren, Sarah (Wayne) LaCoste, Abby (Kevin) Pope, Maggie and Matt Pruin, Kathleen (Brett) Johns, Erin (Johnnie) Riser and Matt (Jessie) Kelley; great-grandchildren, Sheridan and Evan Mark, and Mackenzie LaCoste (Tanner Heitz), Tess and Lyla Pope, Ava (Thomas Block), Jack and Eddie Pruin, Lena, Nolan, and Eliza Johns, Carson, Maddie, Skyler, Kendall and Hayden Riser, Brooks and Jada Kelley; siblings, Peggy Majewski and Bruce Arndt; cousin Joan Schulke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband Tom Kelley; her parents; daughter in-law, Joyce Kelley; siblings, Morris Arndt, Teddy (Bev) Arndt Jr, Harold Arndt, Marlys Kramm, and sister in infancy, Kathy Arndt; and brother in-law; Jerry Majewski.
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