OBITUARIES

2 de enero de 1952 – 14 de agosto de 2026 Con profundo pesar y con la esperanza que nos brinda la fe, la familia de Florentina Leiva Hernández anuncia su fallecimiento. Florentina fue llamada a la Casa del Padre el 14 de agosto de 2026, rodeada del amor de su familia en Broadlawns Medical Center, en Des Moines, Iowa. Florentina nació el 2 de enero de 1952 en San Vicente, El Salvador. A lo largo de su vida fue una mujer admirable, humilde y sencilla, cuya fortaleza y persevera

Joseph Dean Alcala was born on December 28, 1960, in Sterling, Colorado. He passed away on July 24, 2026, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Dean spent most of his life in Des Moines, where he was known for his caring heart and willingness to help anyone in need. Family was the center of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with those he loved. In his free time, Dean enjoyed drawing, painting, and cooking, finding joy in creating and sharing with others. Dean pr

Sherry Ann Worster Hopkins 79 passed away on July 13, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook Iowa where she had been a resident since 2020. Prior to moving to Westbrook, she had been a long-time resident of Des Moines. She was born on April 30, 1947, the first child of Dr. C.E. Worster and Mary Frances Pauk Worster. Sherry was a graduate of North High School in Des Moines, Iowa in the class of 1965. She attended the University of Iowa where she received her BS in Psychology in 1972

Marijane “Jane” Felse, 101, passed away from natural causes August 3, 2026, while proudly living independently in her own home. Jane was born April 1, 1925, to RuthThelma and Raymond Maxwell in Louisville, Kentucky. The family moved to Iowa in 1930, and she spent the rest of her life in Des Moines. In 1942 she married Richard (Dick) Felse and they spent 70 happy years together until his passing in 2012. Jane is survived by their daughter Susan Pencoske of Great Fal

Sherry Dalrymple, born August 22, 1939, in Winterset, Iowa, passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 6, 2026, at Westview Care Center in Indianola. Sherry graduated from Winterset High School in 1957. On January 6, 1977, she married Grant Dalrymple, who was the love of her life. Sherry was an accomplished executive secretary and worked for Continental Western for many years. She also enjoyed working at Diamond Jacks during the Iowa State Fair for many years. W

Gathering of Friends and Family 12:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026 Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel 4400 Merle Hay Road Des Moines, IA 50310 Celebration of Life 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026 Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel 4400 Merle Hay Road Des Moines, IA 50310 Nole Kenneth Billington, 55, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at Broadlawns Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family. Nole was born on November 30, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Kenneth "Kenny"

Anita Erickson (Bubon), 88, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026. She was born on July 20, 1938, in Knoxville, Iowa. Anita devoted much of her life to being a loving stay-at-home mother. In her later years, she worked as a secretary for several insurance companies in the Des Moines area. She was known for her deep love for her family, her passion for golf, her loyal support of the Iowa State Cyclones, and her enjoyment of crafts. She is survived by her s

Shantilal Vaikunthlal Bhatt was born on November 13, 1938, in Gujarat, India. He passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at his home in Ankeny, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family. Shantilal was a kind, calm, and gentle soul. He never sought to interfere with or burden others and was known for his quiet strength and peaceful nature. He was the perfect complement to his wife, Urmila, whose outgoing and social personality balanced his own gentle demeanor. He spent the first

Stephen Lee Fife, 72, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 17, 2026, after a long and courageous journey through declining health following his battle with cancer and later Alzheimer's disease. Steve was born on April 4, 1954, in Winterset, Iowa, to Eldon and Pauline Fife. He graduated from Glenwood High School and began his career as a custodian for the Council Bluffs Community School District, where his father also worked. A few years lat

Services honoring the life of Kathryn Williams will be held at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310, on Friday, July 17. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, Kathryn will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. After the committal service, all are warmly invited to return to Merle Hay Funeral Home for a repast and a time of f

Richard Norman "Rick" Bollenbaugh, 88, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 10, 2026. Born on September 3, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, to William and Lorene Bollenbaugh, Rick lived a full life defined by quiet devotion to his family, a strong work ethic, and a love of adventure. At just seventeen years old, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1955 and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. He served overseas with the European

With gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Merle Jean Gustafson announces her peaceful passing on July 5, 2026. Merle was born on July 6, 1929, in Elgin, Illinois, to Ben and Marie (Genz) Bendewald. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1947 and earned her bachelor's degree with honors from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1951. While at Macalester, she met her classmate, Ronald "Ron" Gustafson. They were united in marriage on July 14, 1951, and shar

Mary Ann Sechovec, 94, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa. Mary Ann was born on January 19, 1932, in Dodge, Nebraska, to Joseph and Bozena (Kmoch) Sechovec. She grew up in Nebraska and later made her home in Lincoln, where she married LeRoy C. Hetherington in 1952. Mary Ann was a hardworking and dedicated woman throughout her life. While living in Lincoln, she worked wiring switchboards before becoming the manager of a local bakery.

In Loving Memory of Israel "Chino" Marquez Israel "Chino" Marquez, 30, passed away on July 3, 2026, at Broadlawns Hospital. He was born on August 22, 1995, in Villanueva, Zacatecas, Mexico, and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, with his family at the age of eight, where he built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless friendships. Known lovingly to many as "Chino," Israel attended Smouse Opportunity School and graduated from Ruby Van Meter School. He worked at Hy-Vee, where

Lori Leann Bell was born on April 8, 1960, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and entered her eternal rest on June 29, 2026, in Urbandale, Iowa. Lori graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1978. She served 10 years in the United States Army, serving deployment to Korea. Lori was an artisan, learning different crafts and making beautiful works of art ranging from hand embroidery and beading to polymer clay, knitting, felt embroidery, quilting, and bag making. Lori is a lifetime memb

Marilyn Ardith Smith, beloved daughter of Edward and Anna (Jeppesen) Lu nd, was born on August 10, 1938, at her parents' home near Wiota, Iowa. Surrounded by the comfort of home and the love of her family, Marilyn passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 87. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of her. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1105 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa, where

Howard “Sonny” Thompson, beloved son of Loren and Vera Thompson, was born on February 6, 1940, at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He passed peacefully from this life on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Orilla’s Way in Grant City, Missouri, surrounded by the care and friendship of those who loved him. Howard spent most of his 86 years in and around the Des Moines neighborhood affectionately known as “Dog Patch,” a place that shaped his character, his humor, and his deep appr

In honor of Mr. Hai's life, family and friends are invited to join us on Saturday, June 27, at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa. A gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Ceremonial Celebration at 1:00 p.m. Your presence, love, and support will be a meaningful comfort as we come together to honor and remember Mr. Hai.

Betty June Stoll, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was defined by family, friendship, and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. Betty was born on June 6, 1935, to Robert Roy and Lois Allene Grove. She grew up surrounded by the love and companionship of her six brothers and sisters, relationships she treasured throughout her life. The close bonds she shared with her family helped shape the caring, generous,

Lisa Jean Bair, 68, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on June 8, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 18th, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home and Chapel Hill Cemetery (4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310) from 10AM to 12PM. Following the Celebration, Lisa will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Cemetery, all are welcome to attend. Lisa was born on November 7, 1957, in Charles City, Iowa. She attended Urbandale High School and was known