Kelly Lee Morrison

Kelly Morrison (December 9, 1954 - August 30, 2025)

Kelly Lee Morrison was born on December 9, 1954, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Dale and Alma (Cufr) Morrison. After graduating from North Tama in Traer in 1973, Kelly went to ISU in Ames and graduated with a BS degree in Home Economics Education. After substitute teaching for a year, she went to UNI and received her MA degree in Library Science, graduating in the summer of 1979. Her first librarian position was at Cardinal of Eldon, where she was also wrestling cheerleader sponsor. The next year, she accepted the same jobs at Twin Cedars of Bussey. She was there five years as Library Media Specialist and junior class sponsor. She then moved to a larger district and became LMS at Chariton Community High School. During her time there, she enjoyed accompanying students to Europe. After ten years, the district eliminated her position.

After subbing for a year in six districts around Chariton, she was offered the secondary LMS position at Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll. At Kuemper, she sponsored “The Charger” newspaper by Kuemper students and was coordinator of the ICN. Due to school finances, her position was eliminated after six years.

Kelly moved back to Chariton and continued substitute teaching. From 2009-2010, Kelly worked for the 2010 Census as recruiting assistant, enumerator, and crew leader. Later, she worked for two companies as a Direct Care Provider enabling clients to live in their own residences, safely and independently. She retired in 2018.

Kelly had Pussface as her first cat, then Buffy, followed by sisters, Snowy and Cinda, long, white-haired cats, who kept her company and lived to over fifteen years of age. Her last cat, Elsa, came from the Humane Society and was a long-haired Himalayan with a beige tip at the end of her tail.

She belonged to the Traer American Legion Auxiliary for 63 years. She was also a member of the Traer United Methodist Church. Kelly was a charter member and long-time treasurer of the Chariton Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild which started in 1992. She made numerous quilts, table runners, pillowcases, and other items for family and some for county fair entries. She was also proud of being a blood donor for many years and encouraged others to do so.

Kelly died on August 30th in Chariton, Iowa. Her laughter and generosity will long be remembered. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Alma. She is survived by her sister, Sheila (Dick) Bird of Windsor Heights, Bruce (Judy) Morrison of Traer, nephews Jeff Morrison of Cedar Rapids and David Morrison of Islamabad, Pakistan, and niece Valerie (Justin) Johnson and their children, Grant, Abby, and Grace of LaPorte City.

The funeral will be on Sep. 10th at 10:30 a.m. with visitation an hour before the service at the Traer United Methodist Church. Memorials may be directed to the family or to the Traer or Chariton Public Libraries or the Almost Home Animal Rescue in Chariton.

Arrangements: Overton Funeral Home, 714 First St. Traer, IA. 319-478-2775. Condolences may be left at www.overtonfuneralservices.com

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