Greta Doris Kelsey

Greta Doris Kelsey passed away peacefully at home in Emporia on October 31, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on May 16, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, Greta lived a life filled with family, faith, and service.

The daughter of Cecil Pearl and Gwendolin Doris (Darby) Townsend, Greta was raised with strong values that shaped her life's path. On February 19, 1950, she married Richard "Dick" Kelsey, the love of her life, in Topeka. Together, they raised their children on a family farm in Rossville, Kansas, where they spent 46 of their 50 years together.

A graduate of Topeka High School and student of Clark’s School of Business, Greta worked as a stenographer in adoption records for the State of Kansas. But her greatest joy came from caring for her family and others. As a homemaker and mother, she extended her love and kindness to all who knew her.

Her faith was central to her life. A devoted member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene since 1987, she served as an organist and Coordinator for senior events and trips. Prior to this, Greta was the organist at Oakland Christian Church and an active member of Rossville United Methodist Church, where she served in various roles, including Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, worship chairman, and United Methodist Women President. She played the organ there for 18 years and was a leader in many church activities.

Beyond her service in the church, Greta’s family was her heart. She is survived by her daughter, Jeline (John) Harclerode of Emporia, and her son, Richard “Rick” (Darla) Kelsey of Overland Park. Her grandchildren, Jonathan (Betsy) Harclerode of Munich, Germany, and Justin (Erin) Harclerode of Leola, Pennsylvania, along with her great-grandchildren, Winter Rae Harclerode, Willow Ruth Harclerode, Jackson Riley Harclerode, and Tula Riley Harclerode, carry on her legacy.

Greta was also active in her community, serving as a 4-H Community Leader in Rossville and as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Whether organizing activities or playing the organ for sing-alongs at Thornton Place in Topeka where she lived for 18 years prior to COVID, she gave her all in everything she did.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her parents, and her siblings, Faye, Hubert, and William Townsend.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia.

On Wednesday, November 6 at 10 a.m., the graveside service will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St, in Topeka followed by the family visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka.  The Celebration of Life will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the church.

In honor of Greta’s lifelong generosity, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, or the Emporia Friends of the Zoo, in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home. Condolences can be shared online at www.robertsblue.com.

Though Greta’s journey has come to an end, the love and kindness she shared will continue to live on through the lives she touched.