Zenovia Kelly
August 9, 1924 ~ March 3, 2014
Zenovia M. Kelly age 89 of New Hampton, Iowa died Monday, March 3, 2014, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday March 7, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton.
Friends may greet the family 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday March 6, 2014, at the Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Zenovia Marie Kelly was born August 9, 1924, in Fredericksburg, IA, the daughter of Floyd E. and Hulda M. (Krueger) Babcock. She received her education in New Hampton.
On January 24, 1941, at the Trinity Lutheran Church Parsonage, she was united in marriage to Joseph Kelly of Lawler. To this union one daughter, Sandra was born. Following Joe’s time in the service, the couple purchased a DX Oil Station in New Hampton known as Kelly’s DX which they ran for 24 years. The couple then purchased a garage repair shop on Main Street in New Hampton (Kelly’s Service and Repair) which they owned and operated until Joe’s death in 1984. While Zenovia worked in the shop she also drove a 60 capacity school bus for 37 years, retiring in 2003. She became a resident of the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on July 18, 2009.
Survivors include one daughter, Sandra (Darrell) Crooks of Ionia; two grandchildren, Kendra (Doug) Walker of Clear Lake and Dennis (Kendra) Crooks of New Hampton; eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parent; her husband, Joe in 1984; grandson, Durrell Crooks in 2011.
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Sandy and family, sorry to be so late with this. When we are gone in the winter, we miss things. Our parents spent time together years ago and now they can again. You are in our prayers. Duane & Pat Lynch
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies go out to Zenovia’s family and loved ones.
Thanks
I so remember what a wonderful person she was the best bus driver kids loved her as I always thought so much of her bless all of you
Thanks! She really loved that bus and the kids!
I am so sorry for your loss. I have some wonderful memories from back in the day. I always smile when I think of her. I know your memories will bring you great comfort. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Thanks Linda. We will miss her.
Zenovia was always a good visit for me, She told it ‘as it was’ and I appreciated that about her. I think that she liked to get me going once in awhile. She was always so proud of her family, I’m so sorry about your loss.
Thanks Pastor, she did always tell it like it was!
I have so very many fond memories of Zenovia. She loved my dog Chelsea and enjoyed seeing her every week when she would come into the shop. The more ‘crap’ Zenovia fed me, the more I knew she liked me too. Our friendly B.S. banter…. I will never forget!! I’m sure Chelsea met her at the gates waiting for some food!! Love and sympathies to the entire Kelly/Crooks families!! She was a one of a kind!! I loved her too!!
Thanks Deb…I know Chelsea was there
Sandy, Kendra, and families, So sorry to hear of the loss of you mother, (and grandmother)…..You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks. It was a nice service. Pastor did a great job.
So sorry for your loss. Zenovia was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Find comfort in your wonderful memories. May God bless you during this difficult time. — Deb Fischer
Thanks Deb. Hard week. It was nice weather, though
Zenovia was my bus driver. I was the last one to get off the bus in the afternoon and Zenovia and I would often sit and visit before she took the bus home. I have fond memories of those visits. She will always hold a special place in my heart. My sympathy to her family members. I know there is a special place in Heaven for bus drivers who take an interest in their young riders!! Laura (Noehl) Schmitz
Thanks Laura, Grandma was a great lady. Thanks for remembering her. Kendra (Crooks) Walker
I told Zenovia that you were thinking fondly of her when I saw her on Sat. She squeezed my hand. 🙂
Sandra – Our sympathy on the loss of your mother. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Russ & Angie Laures
Thanks.
Sandy, you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I have so many fond memories of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family during this difficult time. Karen Ellsworth
Lots of good times with grandma. You never knew what she was up to! Lol
I am so sorry for your loss. Know you guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Pam. She’s finally free from pain. It’s just hard for us.