Amy Jolene Elder

Amy Jolene Elder, 58, passed away after a short but courageous battle with cancer, at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, Iowa on July 8, 2025.

She was born to Alan and Diane Elder in Ames, Iowa on December 3, 1966, the youngest of four girls.

Amy attended Valley High School and Northwest Missouri State. She worked as a Claims Adjuster for Farmers Casualty Insurance before leaving to care for her companion, Todd Tonelli, a quadriplegic following a car accident in 2005. Amy devoted her life to selflessly caring for Todd until his death in 2022.

Amy loved stand-up comedy, animals, gardening, music and fishing. She loved her family and friends and was exceptionally kind to everyone. She faced many challenges in her life but stood up to each one and made the best of each situation. The world was a better place for Amy having been here and she will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Amy is survived by her sisters, Julie Elder (Marsha Moothart), Jodi Cato (Don), and Elizabeth James; nephews, Tyler Ollerich, Zac Ollerich (Jessica), and D. J. Frunzar (Jessica); her aunt Deborah Fitzgerald Sealine; and several cousins and friends she adored.

A gathering will be held on July 18, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service at 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Burial of her cremated remains will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for disbursement to Amy’s favorite charities. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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