OBITUARIES

Our beloved Sharon D. Jellue left this world on January 5, 2026, at the age of 30, due to domestic violence. Sharon was born on July 9, 1995, to parents Morris and Comfort Jellue in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where she lived until the age of eight. On December 6, 2003, she relocated with her family to Des Moines, Iowa.   Sharon received her education in the Des Moines Public School District, attending Greenwood Elementary School and Callanan Middle School, and graduating from Ro

Francis Tailey Dweh was born to the union of Elizabeth Dweh and Sammy Dweh in Beezon Town, Grand Gedeh County, Kanneh Clan, Liberia, West Africa. He was raised in a close-knit family alongside seven brothers and seven sisters. Among the family members who cherish his memory are Mr. Watkins Dweh and Alex Dweh, along with many other beloved relatives.   In 1981, Mr. Dweh left Zwedru for Monrovia, where he later joined the Liberian military. It was in Monrovia that he met the lo

Steven Dean Moberg was born July 5th, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa to Dean and Marilyn (Robinson) Moberg. He was the first of three adopted children by Dean (music teacher) and Marilyn (student/Insurance) with sister, Julie (Cartwright), and son, Matthew to follow in the next several years. They moved throughout Iowa, beginning in Scranton, Fort Dodge, Ames, Leon, then in 1971 moved to Des Moines. Summers included family camping trips with uncles, aunts, and cousins at various I

Carol Marie Hermann, daughter of Ruth and Bud Carnahan, returned to the stardust on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Carol was a gifted woman—intelligent, witty, and fiercely loving. Carol enjoyed rock collecting, gardening, fishing, raising wolves, and her little dog, Daisy Mae. Carol was preceded in death by her son, Jason; her parents; and three brothers. She leaves behind her loving husband, Russ; her daughter, Medea (Scott), grandchildren Aenea and B

With tender hearts, we announce the passing of Katherine (Katie) Margaret Jones, age 19, who died on January 23, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, due to complications from long-standing medical conditions. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Katie was born on January 1, 2007, in Provo, Utah, to Rusty and Kim Jones. From the very beg

Barbara's funeral service will be livestreamed, the link for the livestream can be found here . Barbara Jean Maier was born on June 22 nd , 1939, in Des Moines, IA and passed away peacefully at EveryStep Kavanagh House on January 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving children. Services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The visitation will be held 1 hour prior at 10:00 a.m., at Merle Hay Chapel Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, with bur

Sandra Wilson was born in Minnesota on March 6, 1958. and passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. Sandra devoted more than 20 years of her life to working as a preschool teacher, where she had a deep passion for helping young children learn, grow, and feel cared for. Teaching was more than a job to her—it was a calling, and she touched the lives of countless children and families throughout her career. In her free time, Sandra cherished spending time with family and frie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Anne Garness, age 100, of Des Moines, Iowa, who passed away on January 13, 2026, at Bishop Drumm.   Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa .  Funeral services will follow at   3:00 p.m.   Evelyn   was born on December 20, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Edward Petersen and Hannah Olsen Petersen. She grew up in Des

Khin Aye Than, was born on June 15, 1985, in Rathedaung, and passed away on January 10, 2026, at Everystep Kavanagh House. Khin was a loving wife, a caring mother, and a loyal friend. She brought kindness, strength, and compassion into everything she did, and her love touched everyone around her. She is survived by her spouse, Kyaw Maung, her son, Htet Lin, and her daughters, Myat Wai and Khine Thu Wai. We are grateful for the time we had with her, and though our hearts ache,

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Leons Mikelis Palevics Jr., known lovingly as Mika to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2026, at the age of 53. Services will be held Sunday, January 18, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. Mika was born on January 28, 1972, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in Clive and graduated from Valley High School in 1990. He spent many cherished summe

A Celebration of Life for Sue Lui will be held on Monday, January 12 th  from 3PM to 6PM at Merle Hay Funeral Home (4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310).  All are welcome to attend. Sue Lui, age 98, of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully. She was born on March 28, 1927. Sue lived an extraordinary life defined by resilience, service, family, and an enduring love of food and community. She fled to South Korea during the Japanese occupation of China during World War II

Marilyn Zeller, age 95, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born on February 11, 1930, in Clearfield, Iowa, to Viva and Dr. Loyd Frank Mahoney. She graduated from Clearfield High School and attended Simpson College. She spent much of her life in Des Moines, Iowa, where she met Dean Zeller. They were married in 1950, and together they built a home centered on faith, family, and community until Dean’s passing in 2011. Marilyn worke

It is with great sadness that the family of Duane H. Fick announces his passing at the age of 96 on December 23, 2025, at Azria Care Center in Winterset, Iowa. Duane was born on May 19, 1929, to Herman and Mary Fick. In 1952, Duane married Emma Curry in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. After retiring from Firestone, Duane enjoyed spending his time on the golf course, as well as hunting and fishing with family and friends. Duane is survived by his children: Connie (Dennis) Loftus of New

James (Jim) Kendrick, 58, passed away on December 20, 2025, at the Des Moines Rehabilitation Center. Jim was born on December 8, 1967, at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. He graduated from Garrigan High School in Algona, Iowa, in 1985. Jim was an avid sports fan and gifted sports statistician who especially loved the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Iowa Cubs. Jim also loved watching NASCAR. His favorite sport was racquetball, and he was also a big

Troy Harsh, born October 5, 1971, in Iowa City, Iowa, passed away on December 19, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa surrounded by his loved ones.    Troy was the son of Ronald Harsh and Bonnie Witt and was preceded in death by his parents and his best friend, Dusty.   Troy was born with a heart of gold—work boots laced up and a few tattoos to match. He spent most of his life in the Des Moines metro area but loved country living the most. He was passionate abou

Lennart Boettcher, born November 12, 1937, in Storm Lake, Iowa, passed away on December 10, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Storm Lake and grew up on the Boettcher family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and service to others. On June 14, 1959, Lennart was united in marriage to Wanda (Cundiff) at Zion Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. The couple began their life together in Storm Lake before moving to Bagley and later to Perry. I

Dennis Lee Mielke, 73, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away on December 6, 2025, at Bethany Life in Story City. Dennis was born on December 3, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Walter “Bud” and Margaret Mielke. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, December 11 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Merle Hay Chapel Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310, to share memories and offer support to one another. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December

Patricia Ann Smith, 73, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the Altoona Nursing & Rehab Center after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 23, 1951, at Boone Hospital in Boone, Iowa, and throughout her life she remained devoted to her family, her work, and the simple joys that brought her happiness. A loving mother and grandmother, Patricia, was known for her strength, her dedication, and her generous heart. As a hardworking single mother, she built a meaning

Norma Brodie, born January 14, 1937, in Burlington, Iowa, passed away on December 3, 2025, at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa. She grew up on her family’s farm near New London, where her happy spirit, quick wit, and love of music and learning first took shape. A 1954 graduate of New London High School, Norma participated in student council, band, and choir. She   went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education and later a master’s degree in business education from Io

Alice Marie Beardsley, 97, of Ankeny Iowa, passed from this world to her eternal home in heaven on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny. Alice was born on October 6, 1928, in Barney, Iowa; she was the daughter of Orra E. Berry and Margaret “Pearl” Berry. Alice attended school in the Winterset school district. Alice was united in marriage with her husband, Wilbur “Junior” Beardsley on May 9, 1948, at the Methodist Parsonage in Winterset, Iowa. Alice ha