Diane Colleen Ruxlow

Diane Colleen Ruxlow, 82, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Diane was born September 6, 1943, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Royden Carlyle and Florence Catherine (Johnson) Colby. She attended school in Joice, Iowa, and graduated from Lake Mills High School. She completed two years at Waldorf College in Forest City and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the State College of Iowa (now the University of Northern Iowa).

Diane devoted her life to teaching and worked as a first and second grade teacher for more than 25 years. She began her career in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she was offered a teaching position even before completing her student teaching. She later taught at Fairmeadows Elementary and Crossroads Elementary in the West Des Moines Community School District until her retirement in 1992. Diane had a special gift for working with children and touched the lives of countless students throughout her career.

On August 3, 1968, Diane married the love of her life, Thomas R. Ruxlow. They began their life together in Cedar Falls, where their daughter, Rachel, was born. Over their 57 years of marriage, Tom and Diane lived in several communities, forming many lifelong friendships. They later lived in Peoria, Illinois, where Diane volunteered with Easterseals, before returning to Iowa to enjoy retirement closer to family.

Diane loved spending time with her family and especially cherished her grandson, Carter. She and Tom enjoyed traveling the world together and planning family vacations. Diane also enjoyed puzzles, gardening, reading, and hosting gatherings for family and friends. She had a lifelong love of animals and cared for many beloved dogs over the years.

Those who knew Diane will remember her as kind, caring, nurturing, patient, and deeply loving. She was humble, generous, and always willing to help others. Her quiet strength and compassionate heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Thomas R. Ruxlow; her daughter, Rachel Ruxlow; her grandson, Carter T. Ruxlow.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Royden Carlyle Colby and Florence Catherine (Johnson) Colby.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 11 from 5-7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA and the funeral service on Thursday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 305 NE Dartmoor Dr. in Waukee, IA with a reception to follow. Burial will be at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Diane’s honor to organizations that care for animals, a cause that was very close to her heart: Furry Friends Refuge, Animal Lifeline of Iowa, or Raccoon River Pet Rescue.

Diane’s kindness, warmth, and loving spirit will live on in the many lives she touched and in the hearts of those who loved her.

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