Susan Joann Kelso

Susan Joann Kelso, 68, passed away peacefully at her home on June 29, 2026. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will be held Friday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose, Iowa.

Susan was born on February 8, 1958, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Donna (Pearce) and Paul Gailey. She graduated from Kremlin High School in a class of fifteen students and played on the basketball team. She married Scott Franklin Kelso in April 1975, and the couple welcomed two boys, Joey and Justin. Later in life, they adopted their daughter, Tori.

In 1985, the family moved to Madill, Oklahoma, where she worked full-time at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on Lake Texoma. Susan and Scott never missed the activities their boys participated in—football, wrestling, golf, and baseball. They were very busy parents, to say the least! Susan loved every moment. She was a proud wife, mother, and homemaker. In 1989, the family moved to Centerville, Iowa, for Scott’s job, where Susan worked for the Chariton Valley Medical Center. In 2008, Scott and Susan relocated to Des Moines.

Scott passed away in November 2011. Later in life, Susan met Bud Stuart. They purchased a home together in Bondurant, which Susan was immensely proud of. Susan and Bud resided together until her passing.

In her free time, Susan enjoyed crafting, quilting, playing computer games, and diamond dotting, her latest hobby. She was blessed with a green thumb for gardening and her many houseplants. Most of all, Susan cherished time with her family. A much-loved tradition was gathering at her son Joey’s house every week during football season to watch the Oklahoma Sooners play. Susan was an avid fan by default, as her sons are rabid fans!

Left to cherish her memory are her significant other, Liston “Bud” Stuart; sons, Joey (Ann) and Justin (Crystal) Kelso; daughter, Tori (Garrett) Smock; grandchildren, Alex (Amber), Jade, Jessica, Mando, Raiden, Olive, Kinser, and Kiernan; siblings, Billy Gailey and Robby Gailey; nephews, Josh, Collin, and Chevy; as well as Bud’s nephew, Josh (Shannon) Hayes, and their children, Joshie, Kaydon, Kayleigh, Rylee, and Patrick. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Scott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print