Ruth Ann Kelly, 76, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, died on April 5, 2025, at Accura HealthCare of Spirit Lake.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be held in the Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Ruth Ann was born on October 10, 1948, in Jefferson, Iowa, to Von and Beulah Roemer. She grew up in Jefferson, where she was a 1966 graduate of Jefferson High School. On September 16, 1966, Ruth Ann married Gary Kelly. Together, they made their home in Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they raised two sons, Jason and Joshua. Ruth Ann worked as a Medical Transcriptionist for Iowa Lakes Orthopedics for many years, retiring in 2000. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Ruth Ann had a passion for quilting and scrapbooking. She created special memory books and quilts for her sons and grandchildren, passing down a legacy of family memories. She also shared the cherished family recipe for “Grandma Kelly’s Rhubarb Pie” with her daughter-in-law, ensuring it would be passed down for future generations. Her chocolate chip cookies were a family favorite.
Ruth Ann loved to travel, often seeking warm destinations during the cold Iowa winters. She cherished spending time with friends and family, whether it was going on shopping trips to Sioux Falls with Diane Tucker or enjoying a “latte and cookie” or having a spa day with her granddaughter.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Kelly, of Spirit Lake, IA; son, Joshua (Amy) Kelly, of Independence, IA; three grandchildren: Matthew (Kayla) Kelly, of Sioux Falls, SD; Benjamin Kelly, of Ames, IA; and Courtney Kelly, of Des Moines, IA; two great-grandchildren: Raelynn and Braxon Kelly, of Sioux Falls, SD; best friend of 53 years, Diane (Ray) Tucker, of Spirit Lake, IA; brothers-in-law, James (Judy) Kelly, of Minneapolis, MN; and David Dill, Sioux Falls, SD; Aunt Barb Hanen, of Cedar Rapids, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Von and Beulah Roemer; her parents-in-law, Lawrence and Elizabeth (Betty) Kelly; her brother, James Roemer; and her son, Jason Kelly.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Accura HealthCare of Spirit Lake, St. Croix Hospice, Dr. Mueting, Pastor Clint Lovell, and the First Presbyterian Church for their loving care and support during Ruth Ann’s final days.
