M. Jane Kelso

M. Jane Kelso

Mount Vernon

M. Jane Kelso, 84, of Mount Vernon, died peacefully Sunday, August 31, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice. She is survived by her partner, Dick Stoltz of Mount Vernon; sons, Devin (Hiroe) Kelso of Japan and Nicholas (Sarah) Boots of Mount Vernon; brother, Glenn McConaughy of Mount Vernon; and grandchildren, Riley, Tiernan, Brogan, and Gracie. She was preceded in death by parents, C.E. “Jack” and Helen McConaughy; and sisters, Annette Brokel and Vivian Wolfe.

Jane was born in the home of her Stoneking Grandparents in Lisbon, Iowa. She graduated from Stanwood High School, participated in basketball, was Homecoming Queen, and crowned Miss Pork Center. Jane went on to receive her BA in English Literature from the University of Iowa and received her special education endorsement from the University of Dubuque. Jane was a beloved and inspirational English and special education teacher. She served schools in many capacities, but she is best known for her work with special education and behavior disorder students at the Children’s Home of Cedar Rapids, Tanager Place, and as lead teacher at Taft Alternative Middle School.

Jane was a prolific writer. She was the first undergraduate ever admitted into the University of Iowa's Writer's Workshop, the most prestigious writing program in the country. Her poetry was a tremendous gift for all who knew her. In her retirement years Jane served on the SE Linn Community Center board of directors, the Chapel View board of directors, and as an Abbe Creek School House volunteer.

Jane cherished family and friends; she never forgot a birthday card or May Day basket. She always made an effort to show her loved ones that she cared. Jane is deeply missed, and she will never be forgotten.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Mount Vernon. A Graveside Service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Cemetery. Afterwards, a reception will be held from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. (or later) at Beau Dylan’s in Lisbon, Iowa.

For those attending the Graveside Service, we kindly ask that you park away from the burial site and walk if able, leaving the closer spaces available for those who may need them.

Memorials may be made to the family. If you are unable to attend services, please forward your card to the funeral home, 715 10th Avenue SE, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314.

Please share your support and memories with Jane’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.