Nancy A. Guthrie

Devoted wife, mother, and grandmother Nancy Guthrie passed away August 3, 2026 at Walnut Ridge Care Center after a brief illness.

Born in 1939 in Detroit, Nancy graduated from All Saints High School, and not long after met Joe Guthrie. The two were wed in 1959, and began raising their family in suburban Detroit. It was Joe’s position with Massey Ferguson that brought the family to Des Moines in 1974. Nancy was a working mom, successfully balancing her commitment to raising a family with the responsibilities associated with a number of positions she held at Sears. Once retired, she worked part-time in the Standardized Performance Assessment Lab at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Nancy was a huge sports fan, taking great pleasure in following the Iowa Hawkeyes men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as supporting the athletic, artistic, academic and career endeavors of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was an active member of St. Anthony’s parish, serving as a greeter and usher with her husband.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Joe, son Michael, parents, and siblings. She is survived by sons Brian and partner Patrick Robichaud of Yarmouth Port MA, Christopher and wife Stephanie of Des Moines, and daughter Maureen and husband Jim Dempsey of West Des Moines. Surviving grandchildren include: Ryan (Chantel) Guthrie of Columbia, MO, Patrick Guthrie of Chicago, IL, Michael (Sarah) Dempsey of Minneapolis MN, Meghan (Adam) Begle of Norwalk, IA, and Carson and Ethan Guthrie of Des Moines. Nancy is also survived by four great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Nancy’s life on Monday August 17 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, with mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in honor of Nancy be given to the American Cancer Society, Catholic Charities, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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