All Obituaries

Lee Helen Simpson, affectionately known as Helen, was born in Jackson, MS on July 17, 1936. She graduated from East High School in Waterloo, IA She spent her childhood and early adult life in Waterloo, IA. She later moved to Des Moines in the early 1970’s and finally relocated to Scottsdale, AZ in May of 2018. Ms. Helen retired from Firestone after 20 years of service as a tire builder. After her retirement, Helen enjoyed traveling, holding various positions on boards and affiliations...

Marie Antoinette (Clark) Garcia was born on April 17, 1954 to Ernest and Sequoia (Miller) Clark in Des Moines, IA.  She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Omaha, NE. Marie, affectionately known as “Toni”, worked in the Human Services Field for most of her life.  Marie had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.  She’d often take distressed family members and friends into her home until they could get back on their feet. Toni also had a...

Mrs. Dwala Whiteley Brown, 91, passed away January 15, 2019. A private memorial service is planned. Dwala was preceded in death by her husband, John and grandson James Scott. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Penny (Terry) Scott, Robin (Ken) Bennett, Linda Brown and John Brown; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grand children along with extended family and friends.

Ms Joyce Smith passed away January 4, 2019 at Mercy Hospital. Her body was cremated and a Memorial Service is planned for January 26, 2019 In Charlotte, NC.  Her brother Zobon Taylor and husband George Woyee are in charge of arrangements there. May she rest in perfect peace. 

Baby Mercedes Edward Carr, Jr. was born May 31, 2018  at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. His mom, Seagram and dad, Mercedes Sr. were delighted that he was here. Mercedes was a happy, chunky ball of love. He would laugh and snuggle with you whenever you wanted. Those big bright eyes would follow you where ever you went. He was so curious about the world. Mercedes was the little brother to Da’Shawn, Marcel and Marshawn. He loved playing with his siblings. On December...

Norman K. "Sonny"  Armintrout passed away on December 31, 2018. No formal services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Miriam Armintrout; children, Delora "Jean" Courtney, Richard (Dianne) Armintrout, Thomas (Niki) Willard; siblings, Karen (Fred) Houge, Joyce (Glenn) Nation; sister-in-law, Laurel Armintrout; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren as...

Brother Joseph A. Lee was born November 25, 1935 to Roscoe Lee and Alice Roland, in Des Moines, IA.  He was raised in Des Moines and then joined the United States Army.  After discharging from the service he moved to Cedar Rapids, IA in 1962.  Joe would soon after meet the love of his life Sandra.  The two were joined in holy matrimony in 1963.   Joe was employed at Rockwell-Collins for over 25 years.  After retirement, Joe worked part time at ASAC.  Joe...

Shirley Ann Talbert passed away on December 11, 2018. A gathering of remembrance will be held on December 29, 2018 at the MLK Park shelter house from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Shirley Ann Talbert was born on May 24, 1934 to Charles and Ruth (Mays) Woodford, in Des Moines, IA.  She was educated in the Des Moines Schools and graduated from East High School and would continue her education at Des Moines Area Community College.  Shirley was intrigued by the medical profession and...

Gertrude Genevieve Gilligan was born to Roger and Catherine (Finn) Gilligan on September 14, 1926, in Jefferson Township of  Carroll County, Iowa. She was raised and educated in the area, attending the Jefferson County School District.  On February 13, 1946, Jerome Naber and Gertrude were united in marriage. And to that union, three children were born: Dianne, Jerome (Bill) and Marie. Later in life, they would be blessed with 6 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 2...

Harold Flax passed away on December 22, 2018.  Previously we thought Mr. Flax was all alone in the world. We were mistaken Mr. Flax was a great musician. He played the harmonica and guitar. Mr. Flax came to Des Moines from Mexico, MO. He  had 2 sisters. When they were very young, both parents contracted Tuberculosis. After  both parents passed away the children were sent to an orphanage where they were all adopted separately.  They lost track of each other for many...