Grace Lela Tew

Grace Lela Tew, 89, passed away September 9, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Grace was born December 31, 1934, in Des Moines to Martin and Hilda (Moore) Tew.

Her mother died when she was 9 months old. Her father kept the children together and did his best to raise his six children as a single dad during the Great Depression. This shaped her life, and she was always close and cared for her siblings. As her oldest sister, Helen, got older, Grace would call her every night at 7:30 pm to check in. She did this for over nine years until Helen passed away in 2023.

She grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood and then she along with her father and four siblings moved to Des Moines’ Southside in 1974. In 2018, Grace and her sister Edra moved into Eden Crest Riverwoods and created a new home and made many new friends who became her family too. Grace worked for the City of Des Moines and Polk County Clerk of Court for the traffic division office. She made many friends during those years and continued to see them for lunch and dinner often. There were always delightful stories and lots of laughter when they got together. Grace enjoyed baseball and bowling, but she especially loved to play card games. And because of her mischievous nature, and her skill at playing cards, she earned the nickname ‘cheater’ in the family; although she swears, she never did cheat! She would say that she had these ‘ornery spells’ and she could not help herself! Her actions were always good natured, and everyone would laugh. In later years, she enjoyed eating out on Friday evenings with her family and simply spending time with family and friends.

Grace will be remembered as quick to laugh and her mischievous smile. She loved being with family and friends, playing games and enjoying a cold beer with her Sconavacco’s pizza.

She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Helen Hodson, Martin E. Tew, Jr., Edra Tew, Paul Tew and Frances Tew.

Family will be greeting friends on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Grace will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery; 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association in loving memory of Grace.

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