Elizabeth "Betty" Ann (Kelly)-Spies

Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Kelly-Spies passed peacefully this past Friday June 22, 2018 surrounded by her six children, husband and family. She was a devoted mother, wife, professional, and way above average cook and entertainer. Born on Aug 11, 1937 in Emmetsburg, IA to Harry & Mary Richter, she was the eldest and likely best looking of three well above average siblings. After graduating from Emmetsburg High School, she studied nursing and earned her LPN. On August 20, 1960, Betty married Dr. John Edward Kelly, a childhood friend she had known since grade school. Ed and Betty moved around the country as he completed his service to our country and medical education. In 1967 they settled in Spencer, IA and became completely invested in the community and life in the great lakes. They would go on to raise six well above average children of their own and positively affect the lives of countless other children growing up in the area. Sadly, Betty was widowed upon Ed’s premature death in 1993, but her engaging devoted spirit would not allow her to complacently move into anonymity. Instead, she re-committed to her children and community. She enrolled at the University of Iowa school of nursing and informed her children attending U of Iowa that want it or not, they were getting a new room-mate. Ever the student and in quest of experience, she earned her BSN degree at the age of 59. As anyone who was ever privileged enough to know her would attest, Betty’s spirit could not be checked. She continued to give of herself and became the loving grandmother to 17 almost infallible grandchildren. Her and her family were further blessed when another lifelong friend, Thomas Spies, became her second husband in 1997. Betty was the consummate host and loved to throw dinner parties and happy hours. She traveled the world with Tom and her children and was rarely in one place for long. On any given weekend you could find her at the gym, at a friends house, or on her bicycle. And by bicycle, We don’t mean casually joy riding the neighborhood. She rode in the RAGBRAI, daily sped 20 miles around Spirit Lake and could easily throw a big stinking kettle bell over a 6 foot fence at age 80. None ever had more passion for life, her friends, her family and her community. Betty passed away at her home in Milford On June 22, 2018 which was at least 18-25 years too soon by most estimation. She is survived by her second husband Thomas Spies, her sister Barbara Connors, her brother Bob Richter, her 6 significantly above average children, and a grand family of grandchildren, relatives, and friends that miss her so damn badly.

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