Lavena M. Fries

LaVena Marie Fries, age 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 25, 2021 at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines.

LaVena was born in Grinnell on December 3, 1922 to Ivy J. and Ruth (Laymiller) Wilson and grew up in Newton and Des Moines. Although she was an only child, she was a welcome addition to an extended family on both her mother’s and father’s sides. In summers, she would join her aunts in and around Grinnell, where she acquired a lifelong love for gardening and animals. From her father’s side, she inherited her keen sense of humor and many bits of folk wisdom.

She met Kelly Rucker in Newton when he was home on leave from the service. They married and raised sons John and Bob in northwest Des Moines. She considered herself extremely lucky to have married into the large and fun-loving Rucker family, and many festive holidays were spent together. Summer vacations were a mix of unforgettable drives to national parks and big cities, and fishing trips to Minnesota.

LaVena was an avid reader, an accomplished bridge player, and a collector of countless antiques. She worked for nearly 40 years as a legislative secretary in the Iowa House of Representatives. She loved working in the beautiful House chamber so much that she continued until she was 83 years old.

Following Kelly’s death in 1984, LaVena and her sons and grandchildren stayed in close touch, traveling frequently between California and Des Moines. LaVena later met Earl Fries through mutual friends. They married and lived in Urbandale and later at Scottish Rite Park. Son John passed away in 2005 and Earl passed away in 2015.

She leaves behind her son, Bob Rucker; grandchildren Evie Rucker (Daniel), Philip Rucker (Jacqueline), Hayley Whitaker (Weston), and David Rucker; and great-grandchildren Henry Whitaker, and Max, Liam, and Grace Rucker; all of California.

A graveside service will be held at Newton Union Cemetery, Newton, Iowa on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League in loving memory of LaVena.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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Mollie Francis

07/10/2021

I had both the honor and pleasure of getting to know Lavena at Scottish Rite Park. Though I only knew her for a few months, I saw the same qualities in her that others have mentioned her kindness, dignity, high standards and expectations; her knowledge, wisdom, discipline and perseverance, and her sense of humor. I am also a cat lover and will try to help fill in some of the gap shes leaving with her neighbor cat, Marilyn. I miss Lavena and shell always hold a special place in my heart. My condolences to her family and close friends.

Julie Ann (McIntosh) Klismith

07/10/2021

Dear Bob and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss💐
I loved your mother so much. She was like a 2nd mom to me. She was always smiling. I loved getting to go to lunch occasionally with her and my Mom. They were so cute. We'd go to Bishop's cafe where they would pick a sandwich to share and then they would get a piece of custard pie to share also. Our mother's and fathers did so much together. Then my dad introduced your Mother to Earl. All the years of playing bridge together. They loved their soap operas and would call each other to discuss the shows each day. I have so many fond memories.
Since my mother passed I moved to Florida, but I picked up the phone and called LaVena one day. I was so elated when she answered and we were able to talk for a bit. Just lately I had been thinking about her again. I work overnights and sleep or teaching swimming during the daytime. Tonight though I thought I think I will check online and was so sad to see the obituary. I was also surprised to see that her passing was so recent. I'm so sad I missed the opportunity to speak with her again. Sad that I wasn't able to be there for her memorials.
My deepest sympathies and love to all of you.
Sincerely, Julie McIntosh Klismith