Elsie Naylor

Elsie Pauline Naylor, beloved musician, educator, advocate, and woman of faith, was born on April 19, 1938, to Hoyt and Maxine (Keith) Naylor. She passed away on September 30 2026. 

A lifelong resident of Iowa and Minnesota, Elsie attended Riley Grade School, Franklin Junior High School, and Roosevelt High School before continuing her education at Drake University where she earned her Bachelor of Church Music and Master of Music degrees.

Music was both Elsie's vocation and ministry. From 1967 to 1995, she served as Director of Music and Organist at Central United Methodist Church (now Wesley United Methodist Church) in Winona, Minnesota. During her tenure, she established a Fine Arts Series and guided the church in commissioning and publishing a set of hymn tune variations and a composition for handbell choirs. All her published works are still used to enrich worship throughout the country today. 

In 1996, Elsie retired from full-time ministry and moved back to Des Moines to be closer to her family. She accepted the role of Music Program Director at Urbandale United Church of Christ, serving faithfully until 2011. 

Her influence extended far beyond the church walls. One of Elsie’s proudest creations was the Des Moines Diversity Chorus in 1997. The chorus brought together people from diverse backgrounds and varied musicianship uniting them through music. A passionate advocate for peace, justice, and inclusion, Elsie served on the Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace beginning in 2003. She was also a dedicated member of the Urbandale United Church of Christ environmental team, the Green Boat Crew, working to promote environmental stewardship within her faith community. In recognition of her leadership and community service, she received the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Service Award in 2004.

Throughout her life, Elsie encouraged the creation of new sacred music. Among the works she helped commission were Hymn Harmonizations for Organ, Book IV by John Ferguson; A Merry Melody by Cynthia Dobrinski; Noels Ringing, Tidings Bringing by Hart Morris; Invitation by Margaret Tucker; The Mountain by Craig Phillips; and Restless Weaver by John Ferguson. Through these commissions, her influence continues to inspire church musicians and congregations across the nation.

In 2016, Elsie published A Church Musician Muses Upon Her Life and Work, a collection of reflections that offered family, friends, and fellow musicians a glimpse into the faith, convictions, and experiences that shaped her life.

Those who knew Elsie will remember her deep musical gifts, unwavering commitment to social justice, devotion to her faith, and generous spirit. Through her leadership, artistry, and service, she touched countless lives and left a legacy that will endure for generations.

 Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; her grandmothers, Genevieve Keith and Mary Cochran; and her aunt, Elsie Keith. She is survived by her brothers Ray (Joyce) and Earl (Susan), nieces Cyndi (Steve) and Erin, nephews Jeff (Emily), Jonathan and Benjamin.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), or Urbandale United Church of Christ.

A celebration of Elsie's life will be held at Urbandale United Church of Christ on October 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM. A visitation will be held before the service from 12:00-1:00 PM.