Maggie Lou Derrough

January 23, 1928 — March 22, 2025

Maggie Derrough

Service Details

Maggie Lou Derrough, 97 passed peacefully at home on March 22, 2025, comforted by her family and surrounded by their love and memories.

There will be a celebration of her life at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 E Euclid Avenue in Des Moines.

Maggie Lou was born January 23, 1928 at home on the east side of Des Moines to Eva Grace (Watson) and James Edward West, she was the youngest of 4 children.

A lifelong east sider Maggie had a “Lee Township Against the World” kind of grit and determination to help get her through her early years, and she graduated from East High School in 1946.

While attending EHS, Maggie worked at Ray’s Café as a waitress, and it was there that she met Thomas Johnson, whom she would marry the following year.

Her union with Thomas was tragically cut short when Thomas Sr. died in 1952.

In June of 1957, “true love” found Maggie again when she married Robert “Bob” Derrough.

Bob brought his two daughters and Maggie brought her daughter and son, and their blended family grew strong, supportive and loving. The family grew again in August of 1959 when they were blessed by the birth of their daughter Robin.

Tragedy struck the family again in December of 1967 when oldest daughter, Connie was killed in an automobile accident just weeks before Christmas. Quite the horrific loss, Maggie and family endured and grew stronger.

Raising her family, taking care of the home, and their massive garden was a full time occupation for Maggie and the household thrived.

In 1973, Maggie re-entered the workforce as a cook for Prairie Queen Foods, who had started the first “Meals on Wheels” program in Des Moines.

Maggie continued at Prairie Queen until 1985 when she decided to go to work for the Des Moines Public Schools as the chief baker at Douglas Elementary School and Hoyt Middle School, where hordes of students enjoyed her cookies, cakes and pies.

The Derrough household was to know tragedy once more, when in January of 1987, her loving husband Bob, died of heart failure after a lengthy illness.

With grit and perseverance, Maggie and her family continued onward, with the help of good friends, loving family and the congregation of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where she and Bob were founding members.

In 2000 she hung up her apron and oven mitts and retired from the school system. She returned home to her house on East Walnut, where she had the pleasure and misfortune of the Iowa State Fairgoers every summer.

Despite the tragic events that had befallen Maggie throughout her life, she remained upbeat and had a steadfast determination to not let it get her down. She enjoyed bowling with her friends, serving her church, gardening, and of course, spending time and spoiling her 9 grandchildren.

Maggie had a deep faith in the Lord and regularly attended services at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, up until mobility issues prevented her from attending, but most of the congregation knew the one pew that was “reserved” for Maggie and her family, even if she wasn’t present.

Maggie’s most recent time was spent at Luther Park apartments, where she had many friends, including one classmate that graduated from East High with her in 1946.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Jim, Vern and Tom, her loving husbands Thomas Johnson and Bob Derrough, daughter Connie and grandson Tommy Johnson III and son-in-law Wayne Nikkel.

She is survived by her children, Kim Nikkel, Becky Topp, Thomas Johnson Jr. (Glenda) and Robin Christian (Fred). She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren to cherish her memory.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 E. Euclid Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50317

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