HELEN LOU (MILLER) KELSEY MOUNT MORRIS - Helen Lou (Miller) Kelsey died Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, in Bloomington, Minn. Born Oct. 26, 1916, in Moline 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 19 years she taught vocal music in the Mount Morris schools. She married Roderick Noble Kelsey on June 6, 1942, at Camp Forrest. She earned her master's degree in guidance and counseling from Northern Illinois University and was a guidance counselor for 11 years in the Rockford. After 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 60 years. She served on various 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; member of Delta Omicron, International Music Fraternity; and 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; 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. Survived by son, Roderick (Janet) Kelsey; granddaughter, Kristin (Tony) Oltmann; great-grandson, Kyle Oltmann; nieces, Carol (Hal) Phillips and Mary (Tom) Atzen; and grandniece and grand-nephew. Predeceased by husband, Rod in 1999; her parents; and brother, Gene. Service at 11 a.m. Nov. 22, at the Mt. Morris Disciples United Methodist Church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to time of service. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Disciples United Methodist Church or the Mount Morris Senior Center.
Published in Rockford Register Star from Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, 2011
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