Beth Ann Davis

Beth Ann (Purdy) Davis, 83, peacefully passed away at Kavanagh House on June 4, 2024, surrounded by family.

Beth was born on February 8, 1941, at home in rural Canby, Iowa, to parents Muriel Augusta and Sherman Floyd Purdy. She grew up on the family farm south of Fontanelle, Iowa, with her large family. She attended a one-room country elementary school and graduated in 1959 from Bridgewater Fontanelle High School. Beth was active in softball, basketball, and music.

After graduation, Beth moved to Des Moines and attended the Iowa School of Beauty, where she obtained her cosmetology license. She married her high school sweetheart, Terry Davis, on December 18, 1960. They settled in Altoona in 1961, where Beth continued her hairdressing career. They welcomed their first child, Lori, in 1963, followed by Stacie in 1968.

Beth owned her own beauty salon in Altoona and later co-owned Accents in Bloom. She also opened Zena’s Gift Shop, where she enjoyed being an event planner and floral designer. She retired from Zena’s to care for her husband.

She is survived by her sister, Pat (Mike) McDermott; in-laws, Kathy (Larry) Strom; her daughters, Lori (Larry) Lipscomb and Stacie (Joe) Horton; her grandchildren, Anna (Austin) Tolander, LJ (Lindsay) Lipscomb, Davis (Allie) Horton, Cole (Lauren) Horton, and Jack Horton; as well as her five great-grandchildren.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband, parents Floyd and Muriel Purdy, in-laws Harold and Letha Davis, and seven of her eight siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Private burial will follow. If guests are unable to attend the service in person, the family invites them to join them virtually by clicking the livestream link at the end of the obituary below and accessible on the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines in loving memory of Beth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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