Helen Lou Kelsey

Helen Lou (Miller) Kelsey - 95 10/26/1916 - 11/7/2011

Mt. Morris, IL - Helen Lou (Miller) Kelsey died Monday, November 7th, 2011 in Bloomington Minnesota. She was born October 26th, 1916 in Moline, IL to Frederick Eugene Miller and Bertha May (Ziegler) Miller. Helen Lou graduated from Moline high school and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1938 with a Bachelor of Music degree. For nineteen years she taught vocal music in the Mount Morris, Illinois schools. She married Roderick Noble Kelsey on June 6th, 1942 at Camp Forrest, TN. She earned her Master's degree in guidance and counseling from Northern Illinois University and was a guidance counselor for eleven years in the Rockford, IL. public schools. Following retirement in 1976, Mrs. Kelsey was a founder and director of the Mt. Morris Performing Arts Association. She was music director of a dozen "Jeriatric Jubilees" for the Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center. Helen Lou was a long-time member of the Disciples United Methodist Church, where she directed the Senior, Youth and Children's choirs over a span of sixty years. She served on varioius Church boards, taught Sunday School and, with her husband, worked with youth groups. Mrs. Kelsey was a life member of local, state and national educational associations; a member of Delta Omicron, International Music Fraternity; and a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, serving as President and pianist. In 1989, Helen Lou received the Community Builders Award from the Samuel H. Davis Masonic Lodge; a Certificate of Appreciation from the Senior Citizens Council in 1991; and the Hall of Thanks Award from the Mt. Morris Women's Club, also in 1991. She is survived by son Roderick (Janet) Kelsey; Grand-daughter Kristin (Tony) Oltmann; great- grandson Kyle Oltmann; nieces Carol (Hal) Phillips and Mary (Tom) Atzen; and a Grand-niece and Grand-nephew. Helen Lou was preceded in death by husband Rod in 1999; her parents; and brother Gene. Services will be held at 11 am, November 22nd, at the Mt. Morris Disciples United Methodist Church preceded by visitation at 10 am. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Disciples United Methodist Church or the Mount Morris Senior Center. Visitation: November 22, 2011 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. Mt. Morris Disciples United Methodist Church Service: November 22, 2011 11:00 A.M. Mt. Morris Disciples United Methodist Church