Edith A. Kelley

Edith died peacefully surrounded by her children on Sunday, September 26, 2010 from complications of a stroke. She was the first born to Anna C. and J. Elmer Poggemiller. She is survived by her children Barbara (Wm. Meier) and Ronald (Barbara J.), grandchildren; Kelley J. Wilson (G. Wm), Mark R. Kunkel (Kimberly A.) and Tim J. Hammerschmidt: great grandchildren; Robert R. and Samuel G. Wilson, Ian and Sean Hammerschmidt and Kenzie A. Kunkel; siblings; Esther Witte (James) and DeWayne Poggemiller (Margaret) numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, step grand and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; sisters: Evelyn, Edna (Fritz) and Elvina (Brown) and a brother, Floyd. She moved from the family farm near Kingston into Burlington so she could get a high school degree. She held several different jobs during this time. These included working in the beauty shop of her aunt's Irene and Freda Nelson, and serving as a maid and governess for some of the wealthier families. She married Robert B. Kelley in March 1942. They farmed for several years. In 1948 they moved into Burlington where they eventually started Kelley Real Estate. ...[more]

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he was a pioneer for women in real estate. Her accomplishments include: 1957 - 1st woman admitted to the Burlington Board of Realtors 1969 - 1st woman elected President of the Burlington Board of Realtors 1970 - President of Iowa Women's Council of Realtors and started the Burlington Women's Council of Realtors. This became only the ninth council in the nation to get 100% participation when it started. Burlington's Council was #1 in the Region for its membership participation. She helped establish many Women's Council groups throughout the state during her years as President. 1972 - President of Burlington's Women's Council of Realtors, Executive Director of Iowa Association of Realtors and Governor of Iowa Women's Council 1973 - Voted into Omega Tau Rho, an honorary fraternity of the National Board of Realtors 1974 - 1st women selected by her peers as Realtor of the Year in the State of Iowa 1975 - 1977 National Director for the Iowa Association of Realtors to the National Association of Realtors 1977 - Regional Vice President of the Women's Council of Realtors of the National Association of Realtors While doing all of this she still had time to keep house, teach Sunday school, sew and teach two generations to cook, plan and conduct family get togethers. Even in retirement her sense of service remained ever present. In 1976 Edith and Bob bought a home near Winter Haven, FL. There they worked with other residents to establish a homeowners association. This was accomplished in 1983. Edith was elected to the Board of Directors of the Lakeside Ranch Association in 1986. In 2003 Edith moved back to Burlington. Her family gives thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Burlington Care Center who gave so much to make this a loving environment for her to live, to her doctors, to the staff at The Great River Medical Center and to staff and volunteers of the Great River Hospice for their care during her final days. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the Purewater for all Foundation, Inc. Cards and donations are to be sent to 1900 West Avenue, Burlington, IA 52601 Visitation at Grace United Methodist Church, Central at Angular in Burlington 5 to 7 p.m. Service at 7 p.m. with refreshments to follow. Private burial services to be at a later date.