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.
A Dear Friend
12/29/2010
Very few people have had a lasting effect on my life and the way I live it. Wendy was one of those people. She taught me the true meaning of compassion for others. She told me once that sometimes the only way someone can get out of a bad situation is if someone else reaches down and gives them a hand to help pull them up. Wendy extended her hand many times to many people and in so doing affected many lives and how many more beyond those we can not know. She lives on in the lives of those who had the joy of knowing her. I for one am a better person for having known her and she will live on in my heart forever.
May God bless your whole family and bring you strength in this time of need.
Ruthann Jarrett
12/29/2010
So very sorry to learn of your loss. Wendy was an incredible woman and made a huge impact on a lot of lives!
Jennifer and Sam Rosewall
12/29/2010
Jeff and Kids,
You and Wendy provided foster care for my niece and nephew which was a true blessing as the love your family shared was so clear to see. I worked with Wendy on dog training as well for your pups and every time we talked, she always had an upbeat look on life. She was a true inspiration in life to be a great person. My heart goes out to your family as you have lost so much. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family
Sally Gaer
12/29/2010
Jeff and family, Wendy was always a joyfilled fun to be with woman that I enjoyed being around. I will be in prayer for you family.
Sally Gaer
Jennifer and Sam Rosewall
12/29/2010
Jeff and Kids,
You and Wendy provided foster care for my niece and nephew which was a true blessing as the love your family shared was so clear to see. I worked with Wendy on dog training as well for your pups and every time we talked, she always had an upbeat look on life. She was a true inspiration in life to be a great person. My heart goes out to your family as you have lost so much. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family.
EMH med/surg 3-11
12/28/2010
With deepest sympathy to your family, you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura Axman
12/28/2010
My heart goes out to all of you at this very difficult time. Please remember there are a lot of people praying for all of you.
Amy Greiner
12/28/2010
Wendy thank you for being a great BFF. There for me during my bitter divorce. Never judgmental. Always there to talk. Your help to me and my family during my brother-in-laws death. You were like a second sister to me. You taught me to believe in myself when no one else would. I will miss you so much and treasure the friendship we had. I pray I can only be as good of a friend to someone as you were to me. I love you!!!!! I will never forget you.
I pray to you Jesus Christ that you keep your arms rapped around this family and don't let them go.
I love you Lawrence family. God bless you!!!!
Elliott, Henry, Michelle, and Steve Pohlmeyer
12/28/2010
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Wendy. She participated in great activities in her short life. She will be missed.
Heidi (Schafer) Edwards
12/28/2010
I went to school with Wendy and graduated with her in 1991. I am so sorry to hear of her death. I also went to church and mid-week classes with her at St. Paul Lutheran. I read the obituary and saw the way the Lord worked in her life. Her life was a blessing to so many. With sincere sympathy for her family. Heidi
Jan Mulford
12/28/2010
Jeff and family,
Our thoughts and prayers and sincerest sympathy go to you. We are so sorry for your loss. It is apparent that Wendy was an incredible woman and made a difference in countless lives. She lived a life of giving back and that legacy will live on in those she loved and those who loved her.Love from Ben and Jan Mulford and families
Paul and Deanna Webb and family
12/28/2010
Jeff and kids, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.So sorry for your loss.
Paul and Deann Webb
Dusti and Brian Hoffman and family
Dawn and Shannon Duffy and family
Jessica and Craig Webb and Family
Martha Wilson
12/28/2010
Our family is so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hold tight to eachother and your fond memories of Wendy to help give you strength. xoxo Martha, Jim, Bailey, Mallory and Jack Wilson
Lynhon Stout
12/28/2010
It is with sadness that we hear of the passing of Wendy. Yes, Wendy was an advocate for children. Wendy was a valued former member of our staff serving as a Foster and Adoptive Liaison for the foster/adoptive parents in Polk County. She and Jeff were valued members of our association - Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA) as foster and adoptive parents.
It was such a pleasure working and knowing Wendy and seeing the love she had for her family. I always enjoyed my conversations with her as to what she was doing and what was new with her family. She will be missed in the child welfare community.
Lynhon Stout, Executive Director of IFAPA
Ann Jean Holmgaard
12/28/2010
Dear Jeff and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Keep all your wonderful memories close and she will always be with you. Ann