Eleanor M. Gomez

Eleanor Gomez
of Des Moines, Iowa

Eleanor Gomez, 91, passed away on July 16, 2026 at UnityPoint Taylor Hospice House. She was born on April 7, 1935, in Newton, Iowa, to Carlos and Julia (Sanchez) Garcia.

We could go on and on about her strong faith in the Lord, devoted Roman Catholic, forgiving person, loving mother, wonderful grandmother, warrior strength, kindness, warmth shown to everyone she met, her dazzling smile, contagious laugh, outstanding human being, loved her bagpipes, her love of animals, art, music, she sang with Johnny Luna and was an amazing yodeler. She could dance so well, and had so much fun listening to the Mexican music and dancing the night away. She would sing to us on Sunday mornings. She was the best Mom, she didn't have a Mom growing up, she lost her when she was very young, and there is so much more to that story. But, she was the best, and we were so proud of the woman that she was. She loved all of us passionately and was a hero to her family.

She was a choir member with All Saints Catholic Church, member of the American Legion Hispanic Post 731 and made lap quilts for the Veterans.

Eleanor was an avid sports fan and Iowa Hawkeye football season ticket holder for more than 40 years.

Eleanor is survived by children, Ron (Darlene) Quick, Julie (Douglas) Matheny, John Gomez, Kellie Allison, Margaret Quijano, and Kimberley Mincks; 13 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Sydney) Quick, Randy (Kristina) Quick, Timothy (Mary) Quick, Angela (Josh) Swift, Brian (Alison) Matheny, Marc Matheny, Taylor (Marissa) Gomez, Aryn (Shaun) Childers, Brady Kabela, Sidney (Rupprecht) Derr, Max Rupprecht, Derek Altheide and Douglas Altheide; 18, great-grandchildren, Ashlee Quick, Alyssa Quick, Jayden Quick, Mia Bella Quick, Ethan Quick, Morea Quick, Giana Quick, Tylen Tackitt, Ryan Roeske, Avery Quick, Kiley Swift, Marly Swift, Trulyn Swift, Koa Swift, Tilli Swift, Ariel Atheide, Cash Kabela and Hudson Kabela; sibling, Dell Garcia, sisters-in-law, Pat Garcia, Juanita Williams, Rosie Daughenbaugh; brother-in-law, Tony (Pam) Gomez, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert H. Gomez; parents; daughter, Deborah Rupprecht; siblings, Felix Garcia, Rosalie (Natchio) Vazquez, Juanita Garcia and John Garcia; son-in-law, Mike Quijano; sisters-in-law, Barbara Garcia, Lola (Bill) McCaulley and Margaret (Jim) Lopez; brothers-in-law, Howard (Beaver) Daughenbauch and Jesse (Lorriane) Gomez; and very important women in her life, her aunt, Eluteria (Garcia) Valedez and grandmother, Rafaela Garcia.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave. Family will greet guests on Friday, August 14. 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines.

Eleanor will be laid to rest at Pine Hill Cemetery, 524 NW 54th Ave, Des Moines, Iowa, next to her husband, Albert.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in memory of Eleanor.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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