Arlene (Holmes) Garred

Arlene (Holmes) Garred died on August 17, 2021, just a few miles from where she was born. But there was a century and a world in between.

Born January 4, 1923 in what was then called Marquisville (on East 14th just north of I-80) to William (Whitey) and Mabel Holmes, she went to school at Woodside (which at that time included elementary through high school) and later at Grand View College. She met and married Willard Garred, a marriage that lasted 63 years and took them to Michigan, Connecticut, Kansas, and back to Iowa as he served as parish minister at Lutheran churches. They took vacations throughout the United States and to several countries overseas.

She raised five children with limited resources and unlimited love. She was active and interested to the end of her life. She enjoyed reading and puzzles and checked her email every day. Most of her descendants have copies of her fine needlework displayed on their walls.

She is survived by her children, Allan, Melanie and Rose; 11 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard (2007), daughters, Margaret (Peggy, 2009) and Laura (2020), and brother, George Holmes.

Like her husband before her, Arlene has generously donated her body to Des Moines University to further science. Services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Valley View Village Activities Department and online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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