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Lola Ruth Mapes

Lola Ruth Mapes

  • August 29, 1931 - November 29, 2011
  • Longview, Texas
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Memories & Candles

“I knew Lola as a child in Exira, IA. I thought she was the best thing since TV. There was always fun to be had when she was around. She taught me...Read More » ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Donna Poulson Rasmussen - Le Mars, IA

“Mrs. Mapes was my fourth grade teacher. She truly cared about her students and instilled in me a love of reading. I recently told one of the...Read More » ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Heidi Zwick - IA - Former student

“My world is less bright today as I hear about Lola's passing. She was a true inspiration to me to to so many others. Truly, she changed the face of...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: Linda Henke - St. Louis, MO

“Lola was such a dear sweet person who touched so many lives. We know she will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. You are in our...Read More » ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: Ancil & Sherry Boatman - TX

“Ross and Janet Heartfelt sympathy to you...at the death of your sister Lola Ruth. Such warm memories of growing up in an Iowa farm familiy...not...Read More » ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: Ruby Ralston Olson - Saint Cloud, MN

“Aunt Lola introduced me & my siblings to Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too.Went for a ride in a flying shoe."Hooray!""What fun!" "It's time we flew...Read More » ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Marla Williams - Ankeny, IA

“So sorry for your loss - we are thinking of your family at this sorrowful time. Love, Mark & Chris Henry ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Dr. & Mrs. Mark Henry - TX

“My deepest sympathy to the family. Lola was a very special friend for many, many years. So many good memories. ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: Beverly Betts - Omaha, NE


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Lola Ruth Mapes
Lola Ruth Leeper Mapes, the oldest child of Merle and Ruth Leeper, was born in a farmhouse near Earlham, Iowa on August 29, 1931. She died November 29, 2011 at her residence and a celebration of her life will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Urbandale, Iowa.
When Lola started to Earlham Consolidated School in 1937, she met Franklyn Mapes, a kindergarten classmate, and fifteen years later on June 2, 1952, they married at the Penn Center Church near Earlham. Two sons, Gary and Craig, blessed their marriage.
Lola graduated from Drake University and taught thirty-six years in both elementary and secondary schools. The final thirty years of her teaching career were at Clive Elementary School in West Des Moines. Lola also conducted numerous Writers" Workshops and Teacher In-Service Sessions in Iowa and Missouri Schools.
Throughout her life, Lola was always involved in serving her church as a music and choir director and a Sunday School teacher. For the past 50 years and presently she is a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
The past few years Lola and Franklyn became snowbirds and divided their time between Urbandale and Texas – close to their family.
Preceding Lola in death were her parents. Survivors left with memories are Franklyn, her husband of 59 years, her son, Gary Mapes and wife Dee Ann of Longview, TX and son Craig Mapes of Arlington, TX. Grammalo leaves seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Other survivors include her brother, Ross Leeper and wife Shirley of Indianola and her sister, Janet Jenkins and husband Rich of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas as well as many friends.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Des Moines, Iowa, Penn Center United Methodist Church, Earlham, Iowa or Heartsway Hospice, Longview, Texas

In Memory Of

Lola Ruth Mapes

Age 80

Born August 29, 1931 - Madison County, Iowa
Died November 29, 2011 - Longview, Texas

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 A.M. Saturday December 3, 2011
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Urbandale, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Reverend Pastor David Shogren

ORGANIST
Judy West

BASSOON SOLO
Recorded by Rachel Leeper

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
"Blessed Be The Tie That Binds"

PALLBEARERS
Adam Mapes Jonathan Jetter
Colin Snowden Jeff McClure
Jeff Leeper Ross Leeper

INTERMENT
Penn Center Cemetery
Rural Earlham, Iowa

KUHN FUNERAL HOMES
Dexter Redfield Earlham
www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com