Wendy S. Lawrence
December 23, 2010
Wendy S. Lawrence, 38, passed away on December 23, 2010. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Funeral services will be on Thursday, December 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines with burial at Jordan Cemetery.
Born on August 17, 1972 to Norman and Gladys (Briggs) Dilley in Eldora, IA, Wendy graduated from Eldora New Providence High School, from Upper Iowa University with her bachelor’s degree, and was working on her masters from Ashford University.
Wendy was a strong advocate for children and families. She was a foster parent instructor, licensed foster/adoptive parent and a member of IFAPA. She was very involved with the activities that her children participated in including wrestling, football and cheerleading. Her children were her joy. She was involved in various groups and bible studies at Lutheran Church of Hope. In addition, she worked as an accountant and office manager for various companies over the years and had also been a sales representative for Aflac, Arbonne and Longaberger baskets. Wendy also loved purses and shoes, and designed her own jewelry. She was currently working for NORC promoting health and nutrition for children. Wendy was organized and a born leader.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 17 years, Jeff; children, Courtney, Brittney, Jovonte, Garrett, Carson, Carter, Kennedy and Tyree; brother, Robert (Joyce) Dilley; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Wendy touched and changed the lives of many foster children and their families.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family or Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA), 6864 NE 14th Street #5, Ankeny, IA 50023. Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kennedy
11/05/2013
Mommy I miss you I was never meanin for this to happen just to tell you all the mean things I told you were never ever true
kennedy your dauter
03/20/2013
i will always miss you i still do i cry when i think of you i love you with all my heart i love you i wish i could see you i hope you in heven with all those angels i will see you soon if i end up in the right place i hope i do so i can see you i will not stop ever thinking of you you where like the bread to my butter the pancake to my surup and my chesse to the omlet i love you so much
kennedy lawrence
10/26/2012
I WILL MISS YOU I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU ILL ALWAYS HOLD YOU IN MY HART
Andrea and George Johnson
02/22/2011
This message is for Jeff -
I am so saddened by the news we heard just today. George and I are completely dumbfounded. Oh my gosh, I cannot believe we did not know this happened. I am so sorry. Our hearts are with you and all the kids. Talk to you soon.
Andrea and George Johnson
Sharese (DeBerg) Beresford
12/31/2010
Jeff,
This is Sharese (DeBerg) Beresford... your neighbor growing up.
My parents told me about the loss of your wife Wendy. I am so sorry. Although we didn't know Wendy, she sounds like she was a special person. I am sure she was a blessing to many families and children in addition to your own.
We will pray for you and your children.
Sharese Beresford
James and Ruby Parris
12/30/2010
Jeff and family,
It was with great sadness that we learned of your loss. We are happy to learn of the wonderful blessing she has been to so many. We are proud to have been her baptismal sponsors at St. Paul Lutheran in Eldora. May God comfort you in the knowledge of her salvation and hope of rejoining her in heaven. We would have been with you today had we known when the services were. With sincere sympathy to the family.
James and Ruby Parris and family
Tony, Michelle & Tarin Phillips
12/30/2010
Jeff,
Sorry for your loss. Our thought are with you.
Julie Smith
12/30/2010
Wendy was involved with the Children of Hope Orphan and Foster Care ministry from its beginning. She had such a passion for the children; helping them, and connecting them with families. She was the "idea person" behind our Backpacks for Foster Kids mission. She understood the needs of the children entering foster care, and was a huge advocate for them, and their families.
I'm saddened by Wendy's passing, but I believe Wendy will always be with us. She's gone home to be with the Father, and I know that has brought her great joy.
My heart goes out to all of Wendy's family, and especially to Jeff and the children. You are in my heart, and in my prayers. May God grant you comfort, peace, blessing, and much joy in the memory of your wife and mother.
Warmly,
Julie Smith
1SG Keith Stahl
12/30/2010
Jeff,
Today as I sit half a world away I can only say that I am heartbroken for you. My mind cannot even begin to wrap around your loss. I have a thousand clichés going through my mind that you will hear over and over until youre sick hearing them. So I will not bother with clichés but I will offer this to my friend,there will be a time where you need to cry and just cant, circumstances will not allow, I cried for you that timeyou use me.
Keith
The Jeff & Trish Bach Family
12/29/2010
We just heard of Wendy's passing. So very sorry for your loss. We have children in Carson and Carter's grades at Westridge. We also had the chance to visit with Wendy via IFAPA and through our experience with foster care and adoption. May you find some peace for all of you in this very difficult time.
a friend forever
12/29/2010
Wendy has touched the heart of so many. Had compassion for all in need. Has raised a wonderful family. I will miss you friend.
Angelia McCright
12/29/2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Wendy was a wonderful person who touched so many lives with her abundant energy and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love from Angelia and Dave Gorham, Nick, Sam, Maria and Kara
Stephany Henderson
12/29/2010
Dear Jeff, Courtney, Brittney, Jevonte, Garrett, Carson, Carter, Kennedy, and Tyree,
My deepest sympathies. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there to offer my condolences in person.
With sympathy,
Stephany
Betsy Hrdlicka
12/29/2010
Our prayers are with you. I had planned on attending services with my family, but became very ill today. Please accept our prayers and condolences.
Ackley Medical Center
12/29/2010
We extend our deepest sympathy Jeff, to you and your family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace that passes all understanding, be with you.