Theresa Marie Kelsey

Theresa Marie (Mersman) Kelsey, aged 91, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 2nd, 2021 in Osawatomie, KS, following several weeks surrounded by family and friends. Holy Trinity Church will host a visitation August 5 at 6:30 P.M. and a rosary at 7:30 P.M. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity on August 6 at 10 A.M., with burial to follow at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Scipio, KS. Theresa was born on April 27, 1930 in Greeley, KS, and grew up on a farm in Scipio, KS with her parents and four siblings. In 1950, she married Ned Kelsey and went on to raise six children, all with whom she shared 71 joyful years. Many remember her for the doting regard she gave to their children for 35 years at her daycare center, Kelsey's Kindercare. In previous years, she worked at Russell's Department Store, Roberta's Tea Room and in the nursery at Miami County Hospital. She possessed an abounding love of nature and spent much of her time outdoors, especially in her lovingly tended flower beds. Her virtuosity in the kitchen was rewarded with a suitcase full of blue ribbons for her famous sugar cookies, pies, and dinner rolls, and her chicken and handmade noodles were always a highlight at family reunions. She always had a camera in hand to capture life's everyday moments, both large and small, with a special fondness for old barns and wildflowers. Her other favorite pastimes-quilting, crochet, embroidery-granted her more opportunities to gift her children and grandchildren with her creations. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents John and Catherine Mersman, and three of her siblings-Carmelita (Osborn) Coats, Hermena Kelsey and Marvin Mersman. She is survived by her husband, her brother Raymond Mersman, her six children-Lynn Kelsey Leishman, Dave Kelsey, Ronda Chance, Mike Kelsey, John Kelsey, Chris Kelsey-and her 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She once served as President of the Holy Trinity Altar Society and lent her support to Holy Trinity church and school events. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a memorial contribution to Lakemary Center or Holy Trinity Catholic School. Family and friends are encouraged to post their memories and condolences on Theresa's tribute wall.