Shirley was very kind to me and welcomed me into the Moorman and Rook families. One day she called me and asked if I’d ever shown my art at the UIHC. When I said no, she said “well you should and here’s the name and phone # of who you need to speak to. Tell them I sent you”. I followed up as instructed and was granted a show with ease. Shirley was an influencer before her time. A beautiful and gracious lady. Grateful to have known her and her family.

Thanks for all the special times and memories you helped make over the years. Rest in peace kind lady. Hug Kork for me. You both will forever hold a special place in my heart. Love Marysue

Dearest Oma,

You were a beautiful human, inside and out, always brutally honest with a litany of questions, proving you had a deep care and concern for all that you knew. I will miss how funny you were without even trying, mainly because that humor came from your ability to be so honest...with everyone.

In 2015 I found myself in a desperate place mentally and emotionally. The letter and newspaper article you so thoughtfully crafted and sent to me will be forever treasured. You lifted me up in a time that I needed it and I will never forget it. I’m laughing right now because even that letter was riddled with questions. You were so curious. My hope is that we all continue to carry your curiosity, concern, and kindness as we mourn and celebrate you.

Also, thank you for your love of chocolate. That love of chocolate and both your internal and external beauty were passed to my lovely wife, and I am grateful for that. I will think of you any time I discuss room acoustics or chocolates with anyone.

May you Rest In Peace, sweet Oma.

Memories of Aunt Shirley…

Every time I see or wear a bandana, I think about my Aunt Shirley. She wore yellow shirts and bright blue bandana’s with the greatest style, timelessness—and always looking beautiful to me! Whenever my family would come back for a visit to the Midwest, we always made it a point to stop by in order to spend quality time with her. Being the consummate hostess she was, Shirley invited us to stay for lunch or have snacks. Our sons grew up referring to Aunt Shirley as ‘their great aunt who had fun food & treated them like grown-ups.’ At every visit, Shirley would deliberately draw our boys’ into conversations—asking questions/interacting with them, so they‘d feel included. This won her BIG points for decades and decades. Now, these ‘boys’ are in their thirties, and upon learning of Shirley’s passing each one of our sons recalled stories about her Quail Creek pool; popcorn in the community room; her yummy snacks (esp. dark chocolate), her ever-present smile, twinkly blue eyes, and the scary artwork (Lasansky prints) that she had on her walls, amidst blue carpet and furniture.

I truly believe that Shirley maintained her beauty and figure (something very important to her) from walking around her 4th floor condo 72 times/day. Also, she did not own a computer, remote control, cell phone (until her much later years for emergencies), or an answering machine—aka electronics. I will never forget that! That must be why she still looked so youthful at 92!

I loved watching her attentiveness to her elderly parents (my grandparents). Such giving behavior taught me a lot and the importance of doing the same! I never tired of hearing about her volunteer work; about my cousins, or playing bridge with ‘the girls.’ Our conversations felt easy. Before long-distance calling became free, Shirley would worry about me ‘running up a big bill,’ so would end her calls fairly fast—again looking out for others. It took years before I got her to realize we could talk as long as we wanted! Once she had this realization, we would talk up to an hour about pretty much anything. Numerous times, I shared concerns about raising my kids, or other things heavy on my heart, and she’d listen intently—be direct when needed—reassure me or challenge me. I absolutely Loved that!

After my mom (Shirley’s sister, Sue) suddenly died in 1968, I found myself drawn to my aunt. I realized that by being with Aunt Shirley (or speaking over the phone), her presence comforted me. By getting to know my aunt, it made me feel closer to my mom. She would tell me stories about being a Delta Gamma (also the same sorority I pledged later) in Iowa City. She even came to the house to support me for an alumni event in the late 70’s! We would visit on the phone fairly often, as well as regularly exchanging cards/postcards and letters. We dialogued freely about various topics such as: politics, family, food, nature, and the importance of being a good person. I felt honored to ‘let me in.’ Not only was she a cool aunt, but I enjoyed how we became friends. Losing Shirley last month felt like a double blow to my heart!

I will forever remember my Aunt Shirley as a total ‘class act,’ extremely kind, and loyal person who opened her heart to me, my sisters, and to my entire family! When you see Mom, Uncle Kork, Nanna & Roy, please give them all a kiss from me, ok? May you live on in your children, grand, great, and great-great grandbabies, as well as in me and mine. Thank you, sweet Shirley, for all you have brought to my life. I already miss you so…

I am so thankful to be able to have 42 years of cherished memories with my grandmother Shirley...“Oma” to Dave, Lisa, Katie, Kori, Karli and myself. As a young farm kid I can only describe my “week with Kork and Oma” as enchanted: Oma had planned out every hour of every day...from swimming to tennis to feeding the ducks on the golf course, she had planned every meal, every snack and every dessert :-)

Quail Creek to me was the most amazing place a grandson could visit. I can hear her voice in the car as we would leave the garage and she would say “here we go” and then even if in the middle of the day “Charles, could we have our lights on”

:-) and then at night in the car on the way home they would sing together “Mr Moon moon, bright and shiny moon” I still smile singing that one to my children.

Oma’s love and care and concern for each of us was incredible: in all my years I can’t remember a phone call where she wasn’t prepared with a litany of questions...and those questions were such a witness to how much she was consistently thinking us and our children.

I treasure the memories of our Holidays together....the Kelly Christmas celebrations on Christmas Eve were so so special to me and Oma would do such an amazing job considering the interests of each person.

I will miss walking into Quail Creek and buzzing to get in, hearing Oma’s voice “come on up!”...I would typically sprint the stairs (although she preferred that I was more cautious) to be the 1st up on the 4th floor to knock and see her joy that we were there and hug her 1st!!

Oma, we love you SO much and we praise God for you!!

Michael, Jenessa

Nahum, Judah, Jeremiah, Zade and Elijah Lock

What I will never forget about Shirley and Kork was their generous gift they gave us 32 years ago this month. Our son was born and he died on the same day. It was the happiest and saddest day of our lives. We were a young couple not expecting such a tragedy. Shirley and Kork, being the gracious people they are, gifted us a plot for our son. They expected nothing in return. When someone speaks their name I always remember and share my appreciate of the gift they gave us. Forever grateful. To Kris, Kevin and family-May all your wonderful memories stay in your hearts forever.

Dianne Haught

Shirley Kelly was a kind, forward thinking woman. She enjoyed talking about current events, was always interested in your life and family, and had a knack for being a little bit of a jokester. Shirley never wanted to be the center of attention, however in her subtle way of making each person feel special, she became a shining star. What I remember most about Shirley is the small intentional gifts she would give to each family member and how she loved watching each person open that gift. The time, the thought and the joy she put into each of those gifts is how Shirley lived her life, valuing the time she shared with each of us, the thought she put into relationships and the joy she found in each one of those places. Peace be with you Kevin, Kris and families.

When I look back over the years at Shirley I see an elegant, well-spoken, kind woman who celebrated all things great and small. I see her handwriting on a note or a Christmas card and can feel the care with which it was written. I see a quiet force within her family and community who encouraged us to be good to each other. And I know with certainty that Love never ends.

Joie Hand

Kris, Kevin, and extended family, we send our condolences to you all. We have wonderful memories of living next door to Shirley, Kork, and you two next to Horn School. Your parents were ideal neighbors, and rejoiced in our young children as they grew. We remember Kris babysitting for us and Kork playing Santa. We know Shirley enjoyed moving closer to Quail Creek golf course so she could enjoy a favorite sport. We hope that good memories and the love of family and friends will support you at this time.

Ruth and Ken Kuntz

Kris, and Kevin and Shirley's grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I first met Shirley some 40 years ago when we all played golf here at Quail Creek. Continuing our friendship when I moved to Quail Creek and became Shirley's neighbor. Her wonderful smile, her love of lilacs, dark chocolate, pistachios and of course the glasses of wine which we shared. She also truly loved to plan parties here at the condominium. A true friend who will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers to each of you.

Kris, Kevin and family: Shirley was a wonderful mom, grandmother, daughter and friend. A strong partner to your dad, and a strong woman on her own, she made a difference in the lives of those around her. She recently reached out to inquire about my own mom—caring about others. Family was so important to her. My thoughts are with you all.

I am sorry for your loss, Kevin. May your current sadness blossom into cherished memories quickly.

Kris, Kevin and families♡

Extending my sympathy to all, with warmest hugs and fun memories of hanging at your house when our mom, Dorothy, was there. Thinking of each of you today, and always♡ Linda

Kevin, Kori and Family,

We are very sorry about the loss of your mom and grandma. You have a great family and I know she was so proud of all of you. Sincerely, Bill/Chris Donahue and family