Lila Deen Kelly

Lila Deen Kelly, 68, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, May 9, at Iles Westover Chapel where the family will receive friends from 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Lila was born November 4, 1953, in Mason City, Iowa to Kenneth and Marjorie (Hamilton) Mosher. She was raised on the family farm, attended country school and graduated from Clarion High School in 1971, where she was a proud member of Clarion’s first girls basketball team. Lila attended Iowa Central Community College in Eagle Grove, Iowa and moved to Des Moines in 1972 where she worked as an administrative assistant until her retirement in 2012. She married Mark Thorson in 1983 and to that union were born two children, Greg and Kelli. Lila met the love of her life, Mike Kelly, in 2003 and shortly thereafter they moved to Denver, Colorado. In 2006 they moved back to Des Moines and were married on June 9, 2010, in Des Moines.

Lila and Mike loved going on short road trips to the countryside in both Iowa and Colorado. They could also be found at car shows, James Taylor concerts, watching John Wayne Movies, Blue Bloods, Gilmore Girls and Yellowstone. She also enjoyed reading and dancing with her husband. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, good friends, and her dog, Gizmo.

Lila is survived by her husband, Mike Kelly, son, Greg (Stephanie) Thorson of Pleasant Hill, IA; daughter, Kelli (Aaron) King of West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren, Kylen Gartner, Maeva Thorson, Alayna Thorson, Charlie King, Gracie King, and Greta King; and nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters, Lynn Peterson and Lois Riedel and her infant siblings, John Mosher, Kim Mosher, and Luann Mosher.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or to the family. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES WESTOVER CHAPEL