Elsie Kinney

Elsie Kinney, 99, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Wednesday, January 02, 2013, at her home. Visitation will begin after 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel where the family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Herb Shafer officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Middle School Bridge. The daughter of Glenn Annabelle (Kinnier) Smith, Elsie Atellabelle was born October 13, 1913, in Primrose, Nebraska. Her formative years were spent in Primrose. The family then moved to Mt. Pleasant where she graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1931. Following high school she graduated in 1935 from Iowa Wesleyan College majoring in English. Elsie later attended classes at the University of Iowa for a Master's Degree. On June 29, 1936 she married Raymond Wilson Kinney in Henry County, Iowa. For 34 years, Elsie worked as a teacher and touched the lives of many students who stayed in contact with her throughout her life. She taught in Nebraska and for Mt. Pleasant, Highland, and Winfield School Districts. She retired from Winfield after 29 years of service. Elsie then worked as a librarian at the Mt. Pleasant Public Library for a number of years. Elsie enjoyed being outdoors, going for rides, and socializing with friends. She especially enjoyed her 99th birthday party held in the fall where she had the opportunity to visit with friends, family, and students who gathered to honor her and celebrate her life. The highlight of her week was being able to play Bridge. She was a voracious reader and played violin. For many years, she served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary. Elsie was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and Delta Kappa Gamma, an educational organization for female educators. Survivors include two sons, Stewart Kinney of Mt. Pleasant, and Stephen Kinney of Milaca, MN; grandchildren Brian (Robin) Kinney of Mt. Pleasant, Charles (Kelly) Kinney of Asheville, NC, and Edith Kinney of Oakland, CA; great-grandchildren Karlie and Parker Kinney; two brothers, Glen Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA and Roger (Judy) Smith of Peoria, IL; and one sister, Viola Beattie of Mt. Pleasant. Preceding Elsie in death are her parents; husband; a brother, Don Smith; and another brother, Richard Smith, who died in infancy.