Kelly Duncan

On January 11, 2024, Kelly Duncan was called home to be with the Lord.
A visitation will be held on January 18, 2024, at Saylorville Church (6429 NW 6th Dr.) in Des Moines, Iowa, at 9 a.m. A celebration of Kelly's life will follow at 10:30 a.m. Please come share your stories about Kelly and celebrate her life with us.
Kelly was born in Iowa Falls, IA, on August 1, 1960, to Jeanne and Robert Eppard. She was the oldest of three children, siblings Eric and Jill. She moved to Mt. Pleasant at a young age and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. Kelly went on to get a teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
She began dating Alan Duncan in 1977. They were eventually married in Mt. Pleasant on August 6, 1983. Their daughter, Whitney, was born on August 11, 1986, and son, Nathan, was born March 23, 1989.
In 1995, Kelly and Alan moved to Boone, Iowa. This is where Kelly spent the majority of her 30 years teaching as an elementary school art teacher. Through those 30 years she taught in four different school districts: Fayette, Mt. Pleasant, Boone, and Ankeny.
During her time as an art teacher, she touched and shaped the lives of many. She loved her work, and it showed through her daily interactions with the students. Her students and coworkers loved her. During her years as a teacher, her kids became known as "Mrs. Duncan's kids". Going to visit her class felt like you were making an appearance with a celebrity.
Kelly had an incredible work ethic and for 15 years taught piano out of her home. She spent many nights a week teaching lessons to students.
Kelly was selfless in her daily life and had a servant's heart. She loved those around her endlessly. Her laugh and sense of humor were infectious. Her light and personality lit up a room. Kelly was many things to everyone. Wife, daughter, mother, friend, and teacher. And she excelled at each of these roles. She enjoyed each of these roles immensely, but her grandchildren stole her heart. Each of them meant so much to her and her to them. She was known to them as Mama Kelly and Nana, and she will forever be missed.
Kelly was a firm believer in God and had a strong Christian faith. She believed our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins to save us. It is only through Him that we can take comfort that Kelly is now in Heaven. We thank God for the gift of Kelly's life and for sharing her with us for 63 years on this earth.
Kelly was preceded in death by her father, Robert Eppard. She is survived by her husband, Alan; mother, Jeanne Eppard; daughter, Whitney (Jordan) Camp and children Addy and Wesley; son, Nate (Elisabeth) Duncan and children Paton, Genevieve, Elijah, and Joselyn.
In lieu of flowers, please donate through the Ever Loved Memorial. Funds raised will be used to memorialize Kelly and celebrate her life.