Obituary of Ruth E. Kelly

Ruth E. Kelly, the daughter of Loren R. Edgington and Alice M. Ahrens was born October 28, 1936, in Grinnell, Iowa.  She was a graduate of Grinnell High School and continued her education in Omaha, Nebraska at a special training center.  She excelled in her studies and was requested to work at the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, where she thoroughly enjoyed learning about and working for the US Government. 

On July 25, 1964, she was united in marriage to Gerald Kelly in Grinnell, Iowa.  Together they owned and operated Kelly Plumbing where Ruth served as bookkeeper.

Ruth was a longtime member of the First Lutheran Church in Newton.  She thoroughly enjoyed music and sang in the church choir, as well as attending her bible study groups and volunteering with the church.  She was also very active in the Newton Community Theatre and enjoyed bowling for many years.

Ruth passed on to her eternal home on March 17, 2024, at the Newton Village Care Center.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Gerald Kelly.

Those left to honor the memory of Ruth include her daughter and son-in-law Susan Kelly-Gates and Frederick Gates of Cumming, GA and her daughter Sandra Kelly of Newton, IA, her sister Darla Granzow of Grinnell, IA, as well as the many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. In addition to her family, Ruth cared deeply for her friends and neighbors and was always willing to lend a hand or spend time just talking and telling stories.  She will be missed by all.

Funeral services for Ruth E. Kelly of Newton will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Newton.  A visitation with the family present will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton.  The family suggests memorials to Cassia Life/Newton Village, Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.  Pence-Reese Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.