Wilma F. Curry

Wilma Faye Curry, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, October 3, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ethel Curry; sister, Emma Fick; brothers, Gerald Curry and Edward Curry; the love of her life, Bob Howe; and her lifelong best friend, Marguerite Avant.

Wilma was born December 21, 1932, in Runnells, Iowa to William and Ethel Curry. She was raised in Runnells farming with her family. They moved to the Des Moines area in the 1950s, and she lived on the east side for most of her life. Wilma graduated from East High School and went on to attend culinary school. Her first job was at Tommy’s Grill on East Grand. After that, she transitioned to the banking industry, and was a teller at the Big C Bank downtown. Wilma also worked at the Oxford and Savory Hotels as a Banquet Hostess/Salad Girl. She held many job titles, the most memorable being owner of D & L Café on SE 7th Street in Des Moines, where good food and conversation went hand in hand.

She leaves behind her wisdom, wit, concern, and love. Cherishing her memory are her daughters, Jean Myers (Dennis), Becky Curry-Cox (Fred), and Tammy Horn (Brian), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she kept close to her heart, and was known to yodel for them. Wilma would remind everyone that family is important and cherished, and she would let family and friends know that she will ALWAYS be “fat and sassy”!

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday at Lowman Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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