Rowena Beck Arnold

September 4, 1923 – September 22, 2026

Surrounded by the love of her family, Rowena Beck Arnold passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 103.

Funeral services will be held at Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310, on Friday, October 16 at 1:30 PM. Following the service, Rowena will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310. After the burial, everyone is welcome to join the family back inside the chapel for food and fellowship.

Born on September 4, 1923, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to Marshall and Violet Perry, Rowena spent most of her life in Iowa, making Des Moines her home for more than 75 years. Her life was marked by unwavering faith, generous hospitality, compassionate service, and deep devotion to family, friends, students, and community. She was known for her kindness, leadership, willingness to help others, and remarkable ability to teach and encourage those around her.

Rowena is survived by her sisters, Wynona Laws and Wauneta Lehman; her son, Jonathan Beck (Stephanie); her daughter, Joellyn Schnurr (Joseph); grandchildren, Perri Hindman, Timothy Engelmann (Angela), and Michael Beck (Blair); great-grandchildren, Jonathan Hindman (Jolie), Grace Hindman, McKenzie Engelmann, Caleb Engelmann, Elly Engelmann, and Noah Engelmann; and great-great-granddaughter Maeve Hindman. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Janice Torbert, Judy Arnold, and Cheryl Giudicessi (Michael); step-grandchildren Dennis Hansen (Pam), Denise Hansen, Daniel Hansen (Robin), Cassie Cornia (Dale), Ronald Johnson (Regina), Dale Johnson (Janella), Jennifer Muir (Daryl), Justin Torbert (Yvonne), John Giudicessi (Amy), Beth Giudicessi (Keith), and many step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Ivan Perry; her husbands, Walter Beck and Lester Arnold; and two stepchildren, Dick Johnson and Sally Hansen.

Rowena's teaching career began shortly after high school when, at just 18 years old, she taught in the one-room Fairview School near Moravia, Iowa. Her responsibilities extended far beyond instruction. She arrived early each day to build a fire in the stove for heat and carry water from the well for her students. Teaching kindergarten through eighth grade in a single classroom was only the beginning of what became a remarkable 47-year career in education.

Her journey led her to schools in Elm Grove, Pleasant Hill, and ultimately the Des Moines Public Schools. Along the way, she earned her Master of Education degree from Drake University. Rowena became widely known for her excellence in teaching young learners. She taught fourth- and fifth-grade educational programs that were televised throughout the Des Moines school system on KDPS. She also participated in Project Developmental Continuity, a national grant program involving 13 schools across the country. Following service at Moulton and Watrous Elementary Schools, she retired from Jefferson Elementary School. She was also a founding member and past president of the Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Faith was the foundation of Rowena's life. For more than 75 years, she faithfully served at Union Park Baptist Church, where she taught, mentored, and led generations of believers. Her ministry extended far beyond her local church through leadership roles in Christian education with the Baptist General Conference (now Converge), service on the board of Iowa Child Evangelism Fellowship, and support of international missions. Through her partnership with the Magkie Foundation, a school in Liberia was named the Rowena Arnold Christian School in her honor. Today, the school serves approximately 250 students, continuing the legacy of faith and education that defined her life.

While building her career, Rowena and her first husband, Walter Beck, raised their two children, Joellyn and Jonathan. Faith, teaching, and service were central themes throughout Rowena's life. She shared her love through hospitality, encouragement, and caring for the needs of others. Family members, pastors, missionaries, and friends were welcomed into her home, often on short notice. Whether hosting holiday gatherings, offering a place to stay, or lending a helping hand, Rowena was known for her kindness, generosity, and servant's heart.

She enjoyed visiting children and grandchildren in Italy, Costa Rica, Arizona, and beyond. She especially treasured the time spent with her grandchildren, investing in each of their lives with encouragement, practical help, and steadfast love.

Widowed at the age of 51, Rowena remained single for 15 years before marrying Lester Arnold. Together they shared a love of service, volunteering at Living History Farms and participating actively in church ministries. They also enjoyed traveling together, including trips to Hawaii and Europe.

In retirement, Rowena continued serving her community through 30 years of volunteer work at Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Living History Farms. After Lester's passing, she sold the family home she had lived in for six decades and moved to Luther Park Apartments. There she quickly became an active member of the community, working in the resident store, serving on the residents’ committee, leading exercise classes, participating in Delta Kappa Gamma, supporting missions, and leading Bible studies.

During the final year and a half of her life, Rowena lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Arizona. She enjoyed peaceful afternoons on the patio, watching the flowers in bloom and observing the activity around her with the keen awareness that characterized her entire life. Her hospice caregivers often remarked that she was one of their favorite patients. They loved her gentleness, kindness, wit, sweet spirit, and ever-present smile.

Rowena's life was a testimony to faith, service, education, and love. Her influence lives on in the countless students she taught, the family she cherished, the church she served, and the people around the world whose lives were touched by her generosity and devotion to Christ.

She leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations. Her family rejoices in the promise that she is now at home with her Savior.

Funeral services will be held at Merle Hay Chapel in Des Moines. Service details will be announced when finalized.