Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
KELLY, Charlotte Ragatz
KELLY, Charlotte Ragatz. (Dubuque, IA, Sept. 9, 1921- ). "Woman of the Year," 1970. Kelly served the interests of the Republican Party in Dubuque County for over twenty-eight years as a precinct committee chairperson. She held leadership roles in the campaigns of Governor Robert D. Ray, Joan Lipsky, and Theodore Richards ELLSWORTH.
A faculty member in the Nutrition Department of CLARKE COLLEGE from 1946 to 1951, Kelly also served the Mercy School of Nursing in the field of normal nutrition and diet therapy.
Kelly was chairperson of the Dubuque County Crippled Children Association and the Dubuque Housing Code Board of Appeals; served eight years on the board of R.S.V.P.; and held membership on the Clarke College Development Board. She was secretary and first vice-president of the League of Women Voters. Kelly's civic commitment included sixteen years on the Dubuque City Housing Commission including three terms as its chairperson, six years on the Judicial Nominating Commission from District IA of Iowa, and service as secretary of the Dubuque City Rehabilitation Commission and the DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
In October 1970, Kelly was chosen 'Woman of the Year" by the Dubuque Business and Professional Women's Club. She was one of three queens chosen for the Bi-Centennial Dubuque Celebration.
Charlotte Kelly was married to Francis J. KELLY. Their daughter was Barbara SMELTZER.