Jimita L Kelley

Jimita L. Kelley, 71, of Fort Dodge passed away Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Friendship Haven. A visitation will be 11:00 AM Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. At noon a private family graveside at Christ the King in Dayton will be held. Jimita Lynn Kelley was born the oldest daughter of James and Betty (Ware) Kelley on December 29, 1949 in Ottumwa, Iowa. She moved with her family to the Fort Dodge area in 1965 and was educated and graduated from Prairie Community High School in 1968. During her high school and young adult years she enjoyed riding her beloved horse, Rusty and served as Dayton Rodeo Queen in 1968. Jimi attended the Antonian School of Practical Nursing and graduated in 1970 as an LPN. She devoted most of her adult life to nursing first at Mercy Hospital in Fort Dodge and then Trinity Regional Medical Center. Jimi furthered her nursing education graduating in 1980 from Iowa Central Community College as a registered nurse. In 2006, Jimi retired after a 35-year nursing career. In her retirement, she spent her time volunteering. She loved being around children and children loved being around her. She volunteered at Cooper and Saint Edmond Elementary Schools listening to children read, at the Friends of the Library bookstore, and the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. She sponsored many children over the years through Child Fund and enjoyed being their pen pal. She was known as the birthday card lady as she sent everyone a card, balloon, and stick of gum to celebrate. She enjoyed travelling but her favorite place of all was Branson, MO. She was a member of Holy Trinity Church and past member of Sacred Heart Church. She is survived by her siblings, Jo Ellen (David) Lee of Callender and Pat (Charlene) Kelley of Otho; nephews, Tim (Denise Moore) Lee of Paton, Todd (Pam) Lee of Callender, nieces, Emma (Alex) Trueblood and Ada Kelley both of Otho; great nieces and nephews, Sam Lee, Ollivia and James Lee; Michael Trueblood, and many aunts uncles, cousins, and friends. Jimi was preceded in death by her parents, a niece, Amy Jo Lee, many beloved pets, especially her dog, Otis. Memorials may be left to family discretion.