Faye Ruth Mayer

Faye Mayer, 84, of Des Moines, passed away on January 22, 2023. She lived at home in the last years of life with family and loved ones close by.

Faye was born on March 25, 1938 to Arnold and Laura Greathouse in Pekin, IL. She grew up surrounded by family and friends that she always felt fortunate to keep in her life. After graduating from Pekin High School in 1956, Faye went on to study education at Bradley University in Peoria. She taught at the middle school level for several years until she made a move to focus on her family. But she never lost her curiosity and love to be a lifelong learner, traits she passed on to her children.

Faye met the love of her life, George Mayer. They wed and raised two children together, Brian and Don Mayer of Des Moines, Iowa, as well as shared the love for her step children, Rick Mayer of Selma, California, and Cathy Armstrong of Laughlin, Nevada.

Faye and George went on to start a business of their own when they moved to Des Moines in 1980. MGN, Inc was a manufacturer of window coverings in their suburb of Urbandale, Iowa and they were successful in business until they retired after 25 years.

Faye dedicated herself to being a wonderful mother and foundation of our family. She involved herself in our school activities. She got us to every practice and cheered on every team we played for. She took us to new experiences and to learn new things. She ensured we were curious about the world around us. She loved adventure and travel. She taught us to explore. And she taught us to be kind to others. She loved the opportunity to meet those we would call friends and readily made them her own. She loved to joke and laugh, and that sound and the hugs she gave are what we will miss most of all.

Faye was proceeded in death by her husband, George, and her parents Arnold and Laura. She is survived by her children, Don and Brian, her step children, Rick and Cathy, her sister and closest confidant, Judy Carnes of Colorado Springs, Colorado and numerous step-grandchildren and those children’s children, cousins, nephews, and many, many friends. We will all miss you, mom.

The family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at donate in lieu of flowers. There will be a memorial of her and George’s life at 11:00 am on March 25, 2023 at Spring Lake Missionary Church 6779 Townline Rd, Manito, IL 61546 with visitation on hour prior.

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