Keli Shropshire

KELI J. (ELDRIDGE) SHROPSHIRE

Iowa City

Keli J. (Eldridge) Shropshire, 49, of Iowa City, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, at Mercy Iowa City after a very courageous journey with cancer. Services celebrating Keli's life will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, where there will be a visitation Tuesday from 4 p.m. until the 7 p.m. service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Keli's memory to the Washington County, Iowa, Animal Shelter. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family, please go to the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Keli Jo Eldridge was born Jan. 9, 1969, in Spencer, Iowa, to David and Sandra (Hildebrand) Eldridge. Following graduation from Emmetsburg High School in 1987, she enrolled at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, where she received her undergraduate degree in English, a master's in teaching and a degree in law. She had been employed in the state attorney general's office in Cedar Rapids for many years as an assistant attorney general in child support recovery, a position that allowed her to take great pride in helping her many clients through difficult times.

Keli was known for many things. She was a voracious reader and learner who enjoyed movies, cooking, crocheting, gardening and flowers, rescuing dogs, and hosting many family functions and events. She had a soft spot in her heart for children and animals, always striving to make their lives better. Keli had the courage of her convictions. She wouldn't let anyone or anything deter her from her chosen path, yet she was tolerant of those who held different beliefs. Her family, friends and her work were her world. She took special interest in her nieces and nephews and offered tutoring to ensure their academic success, often helping them get ahead in their study guides!

Her family includes her husband, Ken, whom she married on May 1, 1998. Other family members include their daughters, Angelis Hoien-Shropshire and Amy Leath Shropshire; Keli's mother, Sandra Hildebrand; her father, David Eldridge (Lavonne); Keli's siblings, Krista Chase, Corey Eldridge (Braden), Brooke Whitesell, Melissa Washington (Tommy), John Eldridge and Dylan Eldridge (Jennifer); and Keli's nieces and nephews, Milo Chase, Bret Eldridge, Nishi Chase, Jonathan McCullum II, Akyrah Whitesell, Abby Eldridge, Kiara Washington, Daunte Washington, Phineas Chase, Nasir Timmons, Caleb Eldridge, Annyka Eldridge and Luka Eldridge.

Keli was preceded in death by her niece, Alyson Keli Eldridge; and Ken's son, Kenneth Christian Shropshire.

Keli will be remembered as a very positive, spiritual, life loving soul who chose to see good, do good and encourage all those around her to do the same. May her life serve to show us these ways as we live our own lives each and every day, Amen.