Joan Elizabeth Kelly, 86, of Sioux City, IA, passed away Thursday July 3, 2025, at Pioneer Valley Nursing and Rehab. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life service in honor of Joan at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, IA.  The service will be Saturday, August 2 at 11:00 am with a luncheon immediately following. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

Joan was born on October 17, 1938, in Sioux City, IA to Clarence and Clara (Handlin) Roberts.  She was united in marriage to O.S. (Hap) Hightower November 15, 1958. To this union they had 3 children. She was later married to Beryl R. Kelly on October 1, 1983.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who valued time with her family.  She enjoyed many different jobs over her life but one of her favorites was managing Pizza Peddler at Kay Dee Stockyards. Beginning in 1999, she worked 10 years for the Center for Siouxland Senior Companion Program. Eight of those years she was a Blue Angel Team Leader.  She also served on the board of Sioux City Community Health Center. She loved these positions and serving her community.

She enjoyed spending time with family & friends, sewing, writing poems, walking with her dog Teddy Bear, and watching TV. She was known for loving every person put in her path. She was generous with everything she had, but even more so in giving of herself to others, especially those in need. She loved God with all her heart.  She especially loved worshiping GOD & singing gospel songs.

Those left to honor her memory include her children: Dan (Laura) Hightower, William (Lori) Hightower, Deb (Mike) Rodgers; stepchildren: Kim (Deb) Kelly, Connie (Matt) Kleinschmidt; grandchildren: Alenda, Deke, Dusti, Brandon, Brittany, Nichole, William Jr, LiAnn, Misty, Whitney, Zac, Hillary, Jim, Heather, Mike, Wesley, Michelle, and Chris. She was also blessed with many wonderful great and great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; 3 sisters; husband, Beryl Kelly; stepson, Craig Kelly; and grandson, Clinton Kelly.