March 28, 2024

Leola M. Kelsey

Leola Maxine Kelsey, 85, of Newton died on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at Nelson Manor in Newton.

A funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the First Assembly of God Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials to the First Assembly of God Church or the Newton Christian School may be left at the church the day of the service or the Wallace Family Funeral Home.

Leola, the daughter of Arthur Everett and Jennie Mildred (Coons) Hollingshead, was born on Dec. 19, 1927, in Chariton, Iowa. Her father was a minister and the family lived in many places as Leola was growing up, but they always called Chariton home. Leola graduated from Chariton High School in 1946.  Leola was united in marriage with Donald Glenn Kelsey on July 13, 1947, in Hamburg, Iowa. They made their home in Newton, Iowa. Leola was a Regional Secretary for Newton Manufacturing for 29 years and the Vernon Company for 12 years. She retired in 2002.  Leola was a member of the First Assembly of God Church where she was involved with the Pioneer Club. She was also a member of Prime timer’s at Community Heights Alliance Church and the 25 year club at Newton Manufacturing. Leola enjoyed collecting plates and dolls and flower gardening.

Those left to honor Leola’s memory are her sons, Nolan (Sheila) Kelsey of Newton and Eugene (Lisa) Kelsey of Ankeny; seven grandchildren, Tobe, Amanda, Dana, Matt, Bryan, Ashley, and Andre; her seven great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Oxenreider of Cedartown, Georgia; her sister-in-law, Deloris Kelsey of Newton; cousin, John Potter of Newton; and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.