Joan "Jo" Kelly

Joan 'Jo' Kelly

Jo Kelly, 92, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully with family at her side early Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

Visitation will be at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the service time of 12 noon. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Grand Mound.

Joan Beverly "Jo" Kelly was born October 30, 1933, to Leonard and Thelma Youngworth in Lincoln, Neb. She grew up in Lincoln, later moving to Grand Mound, Iowa. Jo graduated as Valedictorian from Grand Mound High School in 1951. She married Lawrence R. Kelly on September 6, 1952. The couple resided for several years in Elyria, Ohio, transferring to Lacrosse, Wis., later returning to Grand Mound, and finally settling in DeWitt in 1968. Jo was a homemaker, raising three children, and later worked for the magistrate court, Schublin's Clothing Boutique, and the flower shop, all in DeWitt. She also volunteered for the hospital auxiliary for many years. Larry preceded her in death on August 21, 2022.

Jo was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt and a longtime member of the Springbrook Country Club, where she enjoyed golfing socializing with friends. She loved traveling with Larry and the family, especially their annual trips to Florida and Minnesota. She enjoyed visiting lighthouses and exploring Door County. A gifted artist, Jo poured her creativity into everything she did. Her home was always immaculately kept, lovingly decorated for every holiday, and never without a beloved pet. Jo always looked forward to yearly celebrations with her "Birthday Girls". Above all, her greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren, she never missed a single event and was their biggest cheerleader.

Surviving are her children, Scott (Julie) Kelly, West Branch, and Sue (Tim) Shinbori, Davenport; grandchildren, Bryon Manning, Ryan Manning, Sean (Griffin) Kelly, Ahlena (Zack) Micklewright, Cole (Lydia) Kelly, Katerina Shinbori, and Malia Shinbori; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a bonus granddaughter Jessica; her stepmother, Neats Youngworth; a half-brother, Grant (Carla) Youngworth; nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Tom (Shirley) Hahn, Karen (Jim) Steffen, and Rollie (Sandy) Hahn.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father Leonard, her mother and stepfather, Thelma and Vic Bartling, her stepmother, Joyce Bartling, her daughter, Kris Manning, a step-brother, Terry Youngworth, a bonus sister, Sandy (Dick) Crosthwaite, and her great-grandson, Drew Manning, and a nephew, Jim Kelly.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com