Sondra Deanne McMahon, 88, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Stuart Community Care Center under the care of EveryStep Hospice.
She was born in Urbandale on November 21, 1935, the daughter of James & Nellie Hill. She graduated from Urbandale High School in 1954. On May 19, 1956, she was united in marriage to Larry McMahon.
Sondra began dance lessons at a young age where she learned all types of dances. Her dance troop performed at exhibitions all over the Midwest. She never lost her love of dance; she resumed dance classes well into the later stages of her life, it was something she was very skilled at. Sondra also worked as a keypunch operator in her earlier years. She joined Urbandale Jaycee’s where she and Larry made lifelong friends.
She found great happiness being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. It was always a clean home, hot meal and a smile when her family arrived back home.
The McMahon family have enjoyed many camping trips to many different locations. They would set up their RV at Cutty’s of Okoboji and take in the lake life. Some of her favorites include Banff, Canada, Spokane, Washington, Minnesota and the Wisconsin Dells.
In later years Larry & Sondra would travel with a group of friends all over the South to get away from the cold winters of Iowa. They enjoyed a few cruises and made new friends during their travels. They spent some winters in Pharr, Texas.
Sondra was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, encouraging them to be good students and citizens. She took great joy in planning family functions and activities.
She is survived by her husband, son Kent (Angie) and grandchildren, Taylor & Connor (Alyson) McMahon & Gavin Weltz and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Barry, daughter Jill and
son-in-law Pat.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 – 10:30 am, with a funeral service beginning immediately following, all at the Merle Hay Chapel in Des Moines. Entombment will be in the Chapel Hill Mausoleum in Des Moines.
