Nelly P. Deets

1867-1953

Deets was the house secretary for the Des Moines Women’s Club and lived in the Hoyt Sherman home from 1921-1948. Her living quarters are now designated as the Deets Room.

She was an important figure at the Women’s Club and ensured all programs and activities ran smoothly.

In a tribute to Mrs. L.C. Deets, written in 1947 by the past presidents of the Women’s Club, they wrote that her “first interest above all things was the welfare of the Club” and that she had brought “a rare dignity and understanding seldom found.” Mrs. Deets was said to be on duty day and night.

After retiring from her Club job, she moved to San Luis Obispo, California.

She is buried in Perrysville, Ohio, with her husband.