KELLEY, Mary (MANHARD) 1874-1947

KELLEY, MANHARD, NELSON

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 3/5/2014 at 19:11:15

MARY KELLEY

The little city of Farmington was shocked when word was received of the sudden death of Mrs. Mary Kelley, Saturday morning, April 26, 1947, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Max Nelson in Oskaloosa. Mrs. Kelley was a Farmington woman until the last few years, and her many friends here deplore her passing.

Seventy-two years of age, daughter of Eugene and Missouri Manhard, she was born on a farm near Farmington Oct. 25, 1874, and spent most of her life here, moving to Oskaloosa in 1940, which place has since been her home. She attended the Farmington schools and grew to womanhood here, making and keeping friends.

On March 9, 1898 she was united in marriage to Ezra S. Kelley, son of Horton Kelley, a prominent business man of Farmington. To them were born four children, all of whom survive. He passed away some years ago. She was a member of the Congregational church, later transferring her membership to the First Congregational church of Oskaloosa.

Mary Kelley was endowed with many pleasing traits of character. She was genuinely friendly, and always extremely glad to see people, making them feel warm and friendly, too. Her cheerfulness and good humor were unfailing.

When in the ice cream business with her husband at the Kozy Korner, she beamed a welcome to the young people, as well as the older one, who loved to linger there. Those who served them were treated with kindly consideration.

Mrs. Kelley was a good neighbor, continually doing countless acts of kindness for the sick and needy. Children felt free to run into her home, and kept that feeling of welcome through the years. Those who had a temporary home with her experienced her kindness daily. Of hospitable nature, she entertained in her home, old and young.

In her organizations she did her full share, and was an indefatigable worker in Sunday school and church, holding offices year after year, never feeling too tired or too busy to do her part. She is gone but will remain in the hearts of family and friends.

She is survived by four children, Lelia Kelley of Chicago; Mrs. Max Nelson of Oskaloosa; Eugene of Lake City; and Sam of Oskaloosa; one brother, Edward Manhard of Rock Island; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in Oskaloosa at 10:30 A.M. Also at Farmington at 3:00 P.M. in her old church, the scene of her many ministrations. She, who so loved flowers, was surrounded by a profusion of exquisite blossoms. The Rev. Homer E. Dalrymple conducted the services. Mr. Robert Thompson was pianist. The pallbearers were Orville Snyder, Grover Rohdy, Raymond Grimm, William Hols, Donald Moline and Horton Kelley. She was tenderly laid to rest beside her husband upon the hill.

**Note: Hand written “cousin”

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, page 82