Marcia Myers Lippold

Marcia (Myers) Lippold died quietly at her home in Clive, Iowa, on August 3, 2026. She was 88 years old.

Marcia was born in Osceola, Iowa, on June 25, 1938, to loving parents William H. and Loraine Smith Myers. Her mother was a teacher, and her father owned the local Ford Mercury car dealership.

When Marcia was two, she and her parents were the victims of a tragic automobile accident. Her mother died, and Marcia suffered a brain fracture, concussion, and multiple lacerations. Marcia was discharged after three weeks and cared for by numerous friends of her parents while her father was still hospitalized.

A housekeeper was eventually hired to take care of the home and Marcia, as she was an only child. She would always remark that she was raised by a village in the small town of Osceola, which she loved. Marcia's years in Osceola were happy, filled with friends and the freedom to roam safely.

In high school Marcia loved her part-time job at the Rexall Drug Store as a fountain girl. She was captain of the cheerleading team, in marching band, orchestra, chorus, and served as editor of her school newspaper. She also volunteered at the Osceola Newspaper as a proofreader.

She attended the University of Iowa, where she graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1960. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, which she truly enjoyed, serving as their Rush and social chairman. She attended all the Hawkeye football games and went with Iowa to two Rose Bowl games. Marcia was on the Homecoming Court.

After graduation Marcia spent a year in Dallas, Texas, working in women's fashion at Neiman Marcus. She then returned to Des Moines to join the Iowa Medical Society, working in public relations. She married Arden Phifer in 1964 at Plymouth Congregational Church, her church home for the rest of her life. Daughter Jamee was born two years later. In 1968 the family was transferred to Chicago. Marcia and Jamee had wonderful summer adventures on an English bike, going to Lincoln Park Zoo, lovely parks, beaches, and marinas.

In 1970 Marcia and Jamee returned to Des Moines, where she resumed working at the Iowa Medical Society. On her first day at her staff meeting, Robert Lippold, a tall, handsome, soft-spoken man, walked into the meeting. A quiet romance began, and they were married Thanksgiving weekend. Three years later daughter Jocelyn was born on their anniversary, completing their family.

Marcia was a stay-at-home mom who also loved fashion, clothes, and shopping. For over 20 years she was a clothing and make-up consultant out of her home. She also assisted women with personal shopping. She loved to help women feel better about themselves.

Marcia and Bob enjoyed spending summers at their lake home in Okoboji from 1976 until her death. They had fond memories of boating, skiing, swimming, and tennis with their kids and grandkids. She worked at the New Inn hotel during her college summers, where she first fell in love with Okoboji. They also enjoyed their winter getaways to Palm Springs for over 30 years.

Marcia enjoyed bridge, movies, reading, as well as gardening into her 70s. She loved to travel, and she and Bob took many wonderful trips abroad.

At Plymouth Congregational Church, she served on numerous boards and was a Stephen Minister. A lover of art, she served on Plymouth's Gallery Committee, where she met Rick Miller, who became her best friend in her later years. Rick and Marcia would spend many happy moments together on excursions locally and to other places. Marcia was President of Tri-Delta Alumnae, PEO, and Frisbee Club.

She was a liberal woman who supported all activities championing women's rights, educational improvements, and the rights of minorities. Marcia didn't know a stranger and welcomed all with a big smile.

Marcia loved being a grandmother to four adorable grandchildren. Their energy, enthusiasm, and unique personalities kept her young. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert Lippold of Clive; her daughters, Jamee Tuttle of Birmingham, AL, and Jocelyn Fink of Clive; and four grandchildren, Dylan Tuttle of Minneapolis, MN, Logan Tuttle of Brooklyn, NY, and Sienna and Ava Fink of Clive.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines with a luncheon and celebration of life following. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed from the church at www.plymouthchurch.com.

The family would like to thank MercyOne Hospice for their compassion and care for Marcia’s last seven weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church or Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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