116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Jane Kelso
JANE KELSO
Iowa City
Jane Ellen Kelso, mother first, lover of life, independent and fierce, died peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015.
Jane was a farm girl from Lone Tree, Iowa, born March 4, 1941, in Mercy Hospital to William Kelso and Nila Bacon Galloway. After a short stint in Clovis, N.M., 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 her four children, in 1991, at age 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 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; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Lou Bates (Milton). She leaves behind nieces, nephews and several close friends.
She was predeceased by her parents; her 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, Oct. 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. 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 may be shared on the funeral home website for Jane's family at www.gayandciha.com.
Daily Newsletters