Nola Penland
April 23, 2012
Nola Jean Penland passed away on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, with her family by her side. Nola was born on August 30, 1949 in Hartley, Ia. to Elaine and Ralph Bethke.
Nola retired after 41 years of dedicated service from the State of Iowa as a purchasing agent. After her retirement, Nola enjoyed working at Blank Park Zoo, gardening, cooking, spending time with her family and watching her granddaughter, Miranda, play softball.
Nola leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Steve; her son, Tim (Elizabeth Polenz); her daughter, Angie (Bill) Eggers; and grandchildren, Rudy, Jordan, James and Miranda.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bruce Bethke.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Grace Baptist Church, 112 County Line Road in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Blank Park Zoo in remembrance of Nola Penland.
On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
BOB ATHA
05/14/2012
WORKED WITH NOLA MANY YEARS AS BUSINESS MANAGER AT VETERANS HOME.-MARSHALLTOWN. NOLA WAS ALWAYS HELPFUL AND MADE WORK FUN . SORRY TO HEAR OF HER PASSING. WAS AN ASSET TO THE STATE OF IOWA.
Ellen Hellman
05/01/2012
I am one of the many Food Service Directors who worked with Nola at the State of Iowa, first at Voc Rehab, and then at the Woodward Resource Center. She was such a professional. She really "got" us, and what our jobs were to provide meals to thousands of people being served in State facilities.
She worked very hard to meet the needs of the prisons, the DHS facilities, and the Iowa Veterans' Home. She advocated for Iowans in working with the many vendors, and to develop so many contracts.
Nola had a gift of laughing at herself, and including others in on the joke.
She was a good woman, and I am so very, very sorry to learn of her death.
Ellen, Food Service Director at Woodward Resource Center
Kevin West
04/27/2012
Steve - Please accept my condolences for you and your family's loss. Though I only met Nola a couple of times while you two were dating, it was pretty obvious you were smitten with her. If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to contact me. Semper Fi
Don and Jane Leib
04/27/2012
Steve, Tim and Angie. We are so very sorry of Nolas passing. We have good memories of many years as Payton Ave. neighbors. She was always so nice when I did childcare for Tim. A special time for Steven and Tim to become good friends. It was nice to visit at Sams recalling the years our families grew up together on Payton Avenue. You are in our thoughts and prayers for God to be a comfort to all of you at this time. Don & Jane Leib & families
Kurt Atha
04/26/2012
Very sorry to hear of Nola's passing. I remember Nola for her quick wit and smile, positive attitude, and being a fantastic cook! She was always a very supportive and welcoming aunt for her nephews which I will always be grateful for. My sincere condolences go out to Steve, Angie, Tim and family in this difficult time.
Kurt Atha & family
Kathy Wacker
04/25/2012
Nola and I were great friends in high school. Each and every time we were together, memories were made. Even though we didn't see each other very often after high school, we'd meet at her mom's when she came to Hartley. My heart goes out to Steve, Angie and Tim. You are in my prayers. God bless you all.
Lynn Bedford
04/25/2012
I was so very sorry and sad to see the news this morning of Nola's passing. I worked for the State Treasurer and one of my duties was purchasing supplies. Nola always made that part of my job so much easier. Nola was always so happy and pleasant, quick to smile and so helpful. I hope these word will help to give you comfort. "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear."
Karon Booth
04/25/2012
We are so sorry for your great loss and your family are in our prayers. Nola was a generous and loving person with a quick smile and she will be greatly missed. We had a lot of good times together. She will live on in the hearts of her family and many friends.
Sharone Story
04/25/2012
I will always carry a special place in my heart for Nola. As a vendor who worked with her for years - I respected her fairness, knowledge, and mostly her passion to want to do & be her best. Her sweet smile will be how I will remember her. All my best to the family!
Tammy Rodish Mahr
04/25/2012
We truly are saddened to hear of Nola's passing. May your precious memories of Nola be a comfort to you now in your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! The loving Family or Steve Rodish(Judy,David,Tammy & Family)
CHUCK MCCLOUD
04/25/2012
Nola and I were the best of friends .I will miss she call's, her laugh and her great friendship.. ALL MY LOVE TO THE FAMILY
Mary Beth Liller
04/25/2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Nola while working at NCCF and the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. We quickly became friends. Nola loved to share stories and updates about her family. Every Thanksgiving we would call each other and do an "official turkey call". I miss her smile, her laugh, and mostly her loving heart! Angie and Family-I am so sorry for you loss!
Ron & Teckla Miller
04/25/2012
Nola was such a good person. I remember a recent conversation and her love of her grandchildren and working at the Zoo. We are out of state due to a family medical emergency and will not be back in time for the funeral. Please accept our sincere condolences. Steve we love you.
Nola Harper
04/25/2012
I was so shocked to see the news of Nola's passing this morning - she and I were roommates many years ago with Jane Larson - she was Nola 1 and I was Nola 2.....So many fond memories......she was from Hartley and I was from Spencer - not many miles separated two ladies with the same name!!!! I am very sorry for your loss....
Carol Manternach
04/25/2012
So sorry to hear of Nola's passing. I worked with her for several years and she was always fun to talk to over the phone. What a great smile she had!! Glad she had enjoyed her retirement. Cherish your memories of her!
Carol Manternach, Purchasing Agent, IMCC