Obituary of Jane E. Kelso

Jane Ellen Kelso, mother first, lover of life, independent and fierce, died peacefully on Thursday, October 15, 2015. Jane was a farm girl from Lone Tree, Iowa born on March 4, 1941 at Mercy Hospital to William Kelso and Nila Bacon Galloway. After a short stint in Clovis, New Mexico, she spent the remainder of her life in Iowa City making many friends and creating lots of memories. Jane dedicated her life to serving others. Her first love was for her children Andy, Chuck, Chris and Aimee. After raising four children, in 1991, at the age of 50, she earned her Ph.D in Educational Psychology from the University of Iowa. She spent the remainder of her career as a school psychologist with Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency. She was a member of the Foster Care Review Board (FCRB) in Johnson County. She spent numerous hours as a student mentor and belonged to several professional organizations. She loved helping children in need. Jane was committed to causes that were important to her like trying to throw the Republicans out of office. Leading up to elections, she could be found volunteering at the Johnson County Democratic Headquarters. She spent many Wednesday nights at The Mill enjoying the Burlington Street Bluegrass Band. She and others were also groupies of the Dick Watson Jazz Band. Surviving her are her children, Andy Meardon (Kathy), Chuck Meardon (Kristi), Chris Meardon (Stacey) and Aimee Meardon-Orris (Jeff Orris), 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a sister, Mary Lou Bates (Milton). She leaves behind nieces, nephews and several close friends. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Dennis and Dean Kelso and her former husband, Bill Meardon. Jane's wishes were to invite family and friends to her home for a celebration of her life. Please join her family at 737 Grant St. on Tuesday, October 20th from 3 - 7 pm. Refreshments will be served, music will be enjoyed, and memories shared in Jane's backyard - the place she loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Elder Services, Inc., Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Johnson County or Friends of Iowa CASA and FCRB. Online condolences and memories can be shared on the funeral home website for Jane's family @ www.gayandciha.com.