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Neva Kellett

Neva Kellett was born Neva Rowell on January 29, 1936, to Jay and Gladys Rowell in Omaha, Nebraska. She passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa.


Neva was married to Ernest Lavern Kellett (Vern) on May 17, 1953, in Waterloo, Nebraska. They welcomed four daughters together, and lived in Nebraska, Illinois, California and Utah before settling in Des Moines, Iowa to raise their family together. After retirement, Vern and Neva loved to travel the country to visit their daughters and grandchildren in their Bounder RV, lovingly called the “Verneva.” Vern and Neva were happily married until Vern’s passing on November 20, 1997.


In addition to Vern, Neva was also preceded in death by her daughters Deborah Lynn McCarville, Rebecca Ann Chambers and Joyce Marie Kellett. She is survived by her youngest daughter Brenda Benge (Chuck), grandchildren Chad McCarville (Michelle), Katelyn Cook, Kelsie Kronberg (Morgan), Abigail Benge (Devin), Jordan Benge (Madi) and Brian Benge (Paige), and great grandchildren Harper, Vance, Sterling, Everly, Kayden, Ireland, Zoe, Brooke and Hailee.


Neva came from a family of eight siblings scattered across Iowa, Nebraska, Florida and South Dakota. Two of those siblings have survived her in death—her older brother Norman (98) and baby sister Wilda (Ron).


Neva is also survived by her husband, Richard Decklever. Neva and Richard were married on July 7, 2001, in Des Moines, Iowa, after meeting during one of the many years they wintered in LaFeria, Texas. Richard was a loving companion and caretaker for Neva throughout the years. Neva loved dancing, playing pool (she was a pool shark), and games of all kinds. Of course, the occasional glass of Zinfandel or Bailey’s Irish Cream might have also been included in the fun. Yogi, the teddy bear dog she loved so much, was part of Neva and Richard’s life for many years. He was a great source of comfort for Neva in her last few months.


During her time living in Pleasant Hill with Richard, Neva loved to host block parties and decorate for Christmas. It was a running joke in the family to see who would have the most Christmas decorations when they die. Without a doubt, Neva won. The card ladies were a great source of fun and entertainment for Neva, and she always looked forward to the Thursday games. It was a blessing and a challenge for her because, as anyone who knew Neva is aware, she wasn’t afraid of competition. She loved them all dearly.


Neva was a wonderful mother, doting grandmother, loyal friend, and loving. Without a doubt, she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.


Services for Neva will be held on Friday, January 17th at 4PM at Merle Hay Funeral Home (4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310).  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in Neva’s honor.



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