Mary M. Kelsey

Mary Margaret Kelsey (Cruse), of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 14, 2016. Mary was born to parents John and Shirley Cruse of West Des Moines. Mary was born in Des Moines, Iowa, grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and returned to West Des Moines, Iowa where she was a 1969 graduate of Valley High School. She received a degree as a Medical Assistant and later attended a lay training program at General Theological Seminary. It was there, in New York City, where Mary met and fell in love with James Arthur Kelsey. The two were married on May 22, 1976. Mary and Jim were soon called to Vermont for ministry. James, who preferred to be called Jim, was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1978. Jim was elected Bishop of Northern Michigan in 1999. Mary and Jim shared in their ministry and their life passions, including raising three children; Nathan, Lydia, and Amos in Marquette Michigan. Their love for and partnership with one another was beyond compare, and has been passed along to their children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Mary warmed the hearts of all she met with her infectious smile and laugh. Mary enjoyed traveling to warm weather, including Florida, Mexico, and Honduras. She was actively passionate about spending time at Our Little Roses Ministries in Honduras. She loved volunteering at the Jester Park Equestrian Center. She enjoyed caring for her loving dog Juniper, and more than anything spending time with her family and friends. She found great joy in her grandchildren; Isla, James, and Corson. Mary is survived by her children, Nathan James Kelsey and his wife Chandi, of Ankeny, Lydia Kelsey Bucklin, and her husband Brandon, of Des Moines, and Amos Arthur Kelsey and his wife Jacki, of New York; grandchildren Isla J Bucklin, James Kelsey, and Corson Scott Bucklin; her two brothers John Cruse (Patty) and Fred Cruse (JoAnn); three sisters Hildy Smith, Gail (Ed) Cudworth, and Katy Andreen; sisters-in-law Ann Lammers, Meg (Jonathan) Wright, and brother-in-law Steve (Kathy) Kelsey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, who she loved greatly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Kelsey and her parents John and Shirley Cruse. A celebration of Marys life will be held May 22, 2016, which would have marked the 40th wedding anniversary of Jim and Mary. It will be held at 3 pm at 225 37th St. in Des Moines and will be an outdoor garden celebration with Eucharist. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the family to create a legacy fund for Marys current and future grandchildren (Mary Kelsey Memorial) 1104 West Washington Avenue, Polk City, IA 50226.