Rita Kay Kelly, 72, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after a courageous seven year battle with cancer, fighting until the very end.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be at 10:30 am on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Rita was born January 1, 1953, in Centerville, IA, the daughter of Curtis and Mildred Green. As a cheerleader at Indian Hills College in Centerville, Rita met a baseball player from Dubuque named Mike Kelly. They were united in marriage on September 14, 1974 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque. Rita worked at Flexsteel Industries for 30+ years until her retirement.

Rita was the most caring, compassionate, and loving mother/grandma you could ask for. Her kids will always remember that she refused to sleep until they were home for the night! Rita was the proud grandma to Kathryn, Deklyn, Elly, and Keegan. She was at every softball game, basketball game, dance recital, and play performance. The grandkid sleepovers where she got all the lunch table gossip always made her smile. She never judged, just listened and comforted. Although she was taken from us much too soon, the impact she had on our family will never be forgotten. We love you Mom and know you’ll always be waiting for us.

Survivors include her two children, Timothy (Elizabeth) Kelly and Crissy (Jeff) Adams; four grandchildren, Kathryn, Deklyn, Elly, and Keegan; one brother, Barry (Diane) Green; and three nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; parents, Curtis and Mildred; and a brother, Dean.

Memorials may be given in Rita’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially, Kristina, Karla, and Amy for their loving care and guidance.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Rita’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.