Ann Kelly, 85, of Morrison, IL, died Saturday, January 28, 2017, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.
Ann was born June 20, 1931, in Dubuque, IA, to Harry and Grace (Dinzy) Chambers. She was educated in the Dubuque grade schools and was a 1949 graduate of Dubuque High School. Ann then graduated from Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL, with an Associate’s Degree in Criminology. She married Richard L. “Dick” Kelly on June 1, 1950, in Dubuque. He died April 17, 2003. Ann was first employed as a bartender at the Shot Tower in Clinton, IA. She then was employed by the Dixon Correctional Facility in Dixon, IL, and later was employed at the Kansas State Prison in Lansing, KS, as a prison guard. After working in the Kansas State Prison, Ann was employed by the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff until her retirement. Ann and her husband, Dick, owned and operated Shamrock Stables in Clinton, where they were influential in the development of hunter jumper equestrian activities. They then owned and operated Kelly Burner and Boiler in Clinton. Ann was a member of the Clinton County Horseman Association in Clinton and Saddle and Sirloin Club in Kansas City, MO. Ann volunteered at White Pines to break horses for their therapy program. Ann was a current member of the Whiteside County Retirees. Ann was a free-spirited individual from childhood. Her father loved to tell the story of Ann flying down the street on the back of a motor scooter, wearing a beanie with a whirly gig spinner on her head. Ann’s home was always open to the children in the communities where she lived. The Kelly living room was a safe place to come talk, receive support, and know that you were loved. She had a positive impact on many children in their communities. Ann loved to paint, creating portraits of family, scenery, and ceramic pieces. She loved animals and always had a cat, as well as dogs and horses throughout her life. Over the last 15 years, her granddaughter, Nicole Pruis, has provided loving care for Ann.
Survivors include one daughter, Lisa (Brian) Davis of Midland, TX; two sons, Brian Kelly of Morrison and Brett (Amy) Kelly of Maitland, MO; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Kelly of Paola, KS; ten grandchildren, Amber (Duston) Norem, Nicole (Cory) Pruis, Jon (Erin) Kelly, Brandon (Melinda) Kelly, Matt Kelly, Sean (Rachel) Davis, Katie (Steven) Quick, Ryan Davis, Erin Davis, A. J. (Anyssa) Davis; 15n great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one sister, Jane (Tom) Barthell of International Falls, MN.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; two sons, Jon and Bruce Kelly; one brother, Robert Chambers.
Arrangements are pending at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
A memorial has been established by the family.