Katherine Briley
October 23, 2020
Katherine Irene Briley, 96, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on January 9, 1924, daughter of Harold and Rena Bowlby.
Katherine was a homemaker and enjoyed good food – especially cookies, and was a great cook. She also enjoyed listening to Jimmy Swaggart ministry.
Katherine is survived by her children, Janet Briley, Fred (Linda) Briley, Jr., Dennis Briley, and Mark Briley; son-in-law, Terry Signs Sr.; grandchildren, Tiffany Briley, Teri Briley, TJ Briley, Joe (Amber Fink) Briley, Denise Briley, Jason Briley, Terry Signs Jr., Jeff Briley, Chad Briley, Dustin Mason, Ginny Mitchell, and Jensen Briley; great-grandchildren, Colton, Dawson, Kaitlyn and Mariska; brothers, Don (Sonna) Bowlby and Larry (Judy) Bowlby; sister-in-law, Lou Bowlby; along with a host of beloved family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred Briley Sr.; children, George Briley and Carolee Signs; and siblings, Evelyn Cross Butler, Harold Bowlby and Marg Prospect.
All services are private.
Memorial contributions may be directed to family in loving memory of Katherine.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lori
11/02/2020
That you Miss kate for excepting me into your life and home.
I know your son loved me and you often told me he did. Thank you for all the long talks we had about Georges life and how you were glad I was there for him....nothing or no one stopped me from his funeral even tho they tried... I still love George and you and miss you both bye for now.
Dee Dee Briley
11/02/2020
This past week has been a rough one. Mom, It saddens me deeply I was not there at your final hour. For 53 years, I have always had your best interest at heart. No one knows the relationship between two people but the ones within that relationship. I am thankful and blessed to have ours. Thanks Mom! With this, I will remember all of our long talks in person and on the phone everyday especially the Sunday TV talks while watching Pastor Harold E Salem. It warms my heart that Breck and Mercedes named you Cookie Grandma so many years ago and that tradition continued with all of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I know how important having a paper obituary meant to you. I am so thankful to my kids for making a noteworthy obituary about your life that was printed this past Sunday in the Des Moines Register https://legcy.co/37WDvXi I think my kids got it right. Godspeed Mom. Love you. Jude 1:1-25
Bob D.
10/30/2020
To all of katherines family. We all know the truth who was really there for kate. We all no cookies played no true role in anyones life. If kate gave you A cookie so be it Im sure you can play off the one cookie as cookie grandma.You all know who she begged to remain and care for her. We all know who used kate for imformation about her sons girl friends. We all need to stop self gratifacation and allow the true meaning of RIP... Terry my hats off to you and your family including Fred. R.I.P. kate Bob
George Family
10/29/2020
Grandma Kate loved visiting with family and friends and always welcomed anyone to stopping by for a visit. She knew all of her familys birthdays and anniversaries. She enjoyed getting her hair done, watching Jimmy Swaggart Ministry, chatting with her daughter Janet over the phone and dearly missed her conversations with her sister Evelyn.
She always had Danish cookies and wafers ready for the grandkids, earning the title, Cookie Grandma. Kate loved food especially food her family would bring her; a few of her favorites were ham salad, fried green tomatoes, and Dove chocolates. She was a big-hearted woman who raised six strong children.
In Kates younger years, she worked at Bolton & Hay Inc. during World War II, while her husband, Fred Sr. was active duty. Later, was very proud of her son, Denny for joining the Navy. She was proud of all of her children and grandchildren.
You were strong until the end. Know that we are all with you today. Rest in peace. We all love you.
Romans 10:1-21
Jensen Briley
10/29/2020
Grandma Kate
As I write this, I am listening to the voicemails on my phone from you, just so I can hear your voice one more time. I feel myself with more sadness than I have ever had in my life. At the same time, I am filled with joy that you are no longer in pain, that you are no longer struggling, that you are finally at peace. I am thankful that you are once again spending time with Grandpa, George, Carol, and Mimi.
I will forever miss your hugs, us watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune together, cooking in the kitchen, and going grocery shopping. Those are memories that i will cherish for the rest of my life. I promise you that I will try my hardest to succeed in every way that we have talked about. I will do my best to be strong for mom, in one of the very few times where i dont think she can be strong for herself.
I feel that one of things that brought us together the most was that we are both Christians. In John 11 Jesus Said I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.; Because of this I know as im writing this that you are in a better place, watching over me, mom, and the entire family and I know that we will all be okay because you are not gone, you have just transitioned to the place of everlasting life. I love you more than you will ever know and I know that this is not goodbye; Its just Until we meet again. All my love, Jensen
Colton S
10/29/2020
Goodbye Grandma Kate, I'll miss giving you hugs but I'm glad you're finally at peace.
Denise Elwood (Briley) Kevin and family
10/29/2020
Our family sends prayers and condolences to the Briley famiy, especially my father Denny. He loved his mother and would do anything for her. We all have our special memories of Grandma and will no doubt miss her wonderful smile and delightful laugh. I had several conversations with her about the Lord Jesus and her one wish was that all her family would accept Him as their Savior. We all know how much she loves all of her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren and nothing would make her happier than to be reunited with them all in heaven again one day. If you are reading this and you have not considered trusting Jesus with your life like grandma did, nows your opprotunity. Nothing else could bring her more joy.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16💕
Mariska Briley
10/28/2020
Dear Grandma Kate, I love you dearly and hope you will always be with all of us. Im glad you are not in pain anymore and now are in peace, We all love you and care about you. You played a big part in my life, I always think of you and will always miss you. Sincerly Mariska
Dawson s
10/28/2020
Grandma Kate, I will forever miss you and you will always be on my mind. I'm so glad I brought all my heart giving friends around you. They have all helped you and treated you like a famly member and loved you like a grandma. The note you wrote me that I got tattooed on my arm was for you, and Because of how much it means to me . Long story short I will ALWAYS LOVE YOU and miss you!
Joe Briley and Amber Fink
10/28/2020
Grandma,
Where to start? Thank you for always being inviting and allowing us into your home. Joe loves you so very much as well as your great granddaughter Mariska and myself. We will miss you greatly and will cherish the conversations we all had with you. We love you Grandma! Rest easy in heaven.
Terry Signs Sr
10/28/2020
I'm gonna miss you Kate! I'm gonna miss getting your cookies and bananas. And running to places for you. You took me in and treated me like or if not better than one of your own and loved me! Being married to Carol was the best thing that happened to me. I know your with her now and smiling down. I love you!
Colton f
10/28/2020
grandma kate everytime i came over for cookouts or just to come and hang with the boys you always had a smile on youre face,you always enjoyed youre tv shows i hope you watch over all of the boys im glad i got to know you and soend time with ya
Damien D
10/28/2020
Grandma Kate I didn't know you very long but I always heard great things about you. It was an honor to meet you.
Jaxen J
10/28/2020
Grandma Kate Im going to miss talking to you. Hearing you tell me "Have a good day at work" and then asking me about my day at night. I'm also going to miss doing small things around the house for you. I did it because I enjoy seeing you smile when the job was done. I Miss you and Ill see you on the other side.
Austin Mallory
10/28/2020
grandma kate im gonna miss seeing you everytime i walk in the house. i will also miss are dinners. you were a great lady and im glad i had the chance to meet you. rest easy grandma kate you will be missed dearly