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Lola Mae (Kempton) Pals, a beacon of love and devotion, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Luther Park in Des Moines, Iowa. Born on May 26, 1933 at the family farm in rural Adams County, Iowa, Lola was the cherished daughter of Clyde E. and Leota M. (Reichardt) Kempton. She was a graduate of Omaha Baptist Bible Institute, where she cultivated her deep faith, love for ministry through music, and commitment to serving others.
On June 1, 1954 Lola embarked on a lifelong journey of love when she married Eldon Pals. Their union was a testament to the enduring power of love, as they walked hand in hand through 68 years of marriage. Lola’s life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her husband, her children, and her faith.
Throughout the years, Lola stood steadfastly by Eldon’s side as he ministered to various church communities, sharing their love and devotion with all who crossed their path. Together, they raised five children: Becky, Bruce, Bob, Russ, and Chellee, instilling in them the values of compassion, kindness, and faith.
Lola’s legacy of love extends beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of countless others who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed by her children: Becky (Dickey) Simpson, Dana (Jim) Franzen, Russ (Michelle), and Chellee (Dennis) Hedges, and a host of grandchildren: Jason Simpson, Lisa (Jim) Steppenbacker, Amy Simpson (John Jamison), Aaron (Laura) Pals, Mallory (Mason) Winder, Jayme Pals, Taylor Pals, Jacob Hedges (Erika Schweikert), Aaron (Valorie) Hedges, Rachel (Justin) Baker, Jessica Hedges and Elizabeth Hedges, as well as sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons.
Lola was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eldon; sons, Bruce and Bob; siblings Neva (Hugo) Anderson, Marvin Kempton, and Myron (Vera) Kempton.
Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her in return. Lola leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and faith that will continue to inspire generations to come. She has now taken her place among the redeemed in the embrace of her Lord and Savior, whom she served so faithfully throughout her life.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at Ankeny Baptist Church in Ankeny, Iowa. A Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 10:30 a.m. on the Pence Reese Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook page. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the church. Memorials may be designated in Lola’s name to Iowa Regular Baptist Camp and may be left at the church or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.