Lethabel "Belle" Lemley

Lethabel “Belle” Lemley, age 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery after the services.

Lethabel was born August 23, 1929 in Le Belle, Missouri to Thomas and Emily Musgrave. She was the eighth child of ten children. She moved to Des Moines in 8th grade, attending Woodrow Wilson Junior High School, and graduating from East High School in June of 1947. On December 24, 1947, she married James G. Lemley. To this union one daughter was born, Melodie. Lethabel worked for Meredith Publishing Company and Des Moines Public Schools, retiring in 1991.

Lethabel knitted blankets for the Animal Rescue League for their Mittens for Kittens program. She was a member of ACCENT Neighborhood Association, East High School Alumni Association, and Sheridan Park United Methodist Church, where she was also treasurer of their Woman’s Group.

She is survived by her son-in-law, Mark Garanson of Des Moines, her sister, Shirley Bredahl of Grants Pass, Oregon, her nephew, Richard Smith and her great-niece, Robin (Brad) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James, her daughter, Melodie Garanson, five brothers, three sisters and her parents.

Contributions may be directed to Sheridan Park United Methodist Church, 4100 E. Sheridan Ave, Des Moines, 50317, in loving memory of Lethabel.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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