Ladene Morris Eshelman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ladene Morris Eshelman. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She transitioned to heaven on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Independence Village in Waukee while under hospice care.

Ladene was born on July 24, 1935 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, IA to Edgar and Kathryn (Kirk) Morris. She attended Bondurant High School where she competed in music competitions. She graduated with the class of 1954.

Ladene married Darrell at Bondurant Christian Church on March 20, 1955. They soon began farming and started their family. In 1965, they bought a farm and moved to Virginia Township near New Virginia, IA. Ladene not only worked in the field, but also drove a tractor which broke the norms of the time. She raised chickens and grew and canned vegetables from her garden. Along with her farming chores, she devoted time to raising her two children as well as working with children in the community. She spent time as a Cub Scout leader, 4H leader, enjoyed working at the New Virginia Library, and taught Sunday school classes.

Church and faith were of utmost importance to Ladene. She taught Sunday School classes while living in Altoona. When she moved to New Virginia, she took the roles of Sunday School teacher, Youth Minister, Youth Choir Director, and piano player. She would serve as Preacher when the minister was unable to be present. Later, she served as a high school Sunday School teacher and Deacon for the Osceola Christian Church.

As Ladene’s children got older and had babies of their own, she enjoyed watching her grandbabies when they came to stay and visit. She loved her babies fiercely and was always there to give them advice and love them unconditionally.

Ladene also enjoyed researching family genealogy. She was eligible for the Daughters of the American Revolution. She became an official member of the Mayflower Society and traced her ancestry back to John and Elizabeth Howland and Richard Warren of the Mayflower.

Ladene’s legacy lives on in the lessons she imparted to us – the value of unwavering faith, the importance of family, and the power of a sassy attitude that always brought a smile to our faces. We will forever cherish the memories we shared with her and hold her close in our hearts. Heaven just gained an adorable, sassy angel.

Ladene is preceded and welcomed into heaven by her parents, Edgar and Kathryn Morris; her sister, Karen Mark; her husband, Darrell Eshelman; and her son, Edgar Eshelman.

She is survived by her daughter, Reinee (William Paul) Hildebrandt; her granddaughters, Kari (Jon) Heath, Sandra (Michael) Butler, Dru (Vamsi) Yemadabthni; and great- grandchildren, Emma Heath, Teagan Pitcher, Declan Pitcher, Evelyn Butler; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024 at Bondurant Christian Church, 304 Grant St S in Bondurant, IA with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Bondurant Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bondurant Christian Church and New Virginia Christian Church in loving memory of Ladene.

Condolences of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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