Emma Dora Best

November 19, 1923 — July 23, 2025

Emma Best

Service Details

Emma Dora Best, 101, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home July 23rd, 2025. She was born the daughter of Archie and Josephine (Schreckengost) Exline. She was the 12th of 13 children and the last survivor.

As a young woman, Emma found a love for golf. Her talent led her to clinch a City of Des Moines Women's Golf Championship in the 1940s. She proudly became the first woman allowed to golf on public courses on Sundays, a privilege formerly reserved for men.

Emma found joy in many activities. She was an avid bowler, card and game player. Gatherings at her home of over 65 years were often complemented by fish fries on the deck, games of Farkle or Yahtzee with family and Solitaire or Crossword puzzles in her alone time. We have long said, the fattest squirrels and birds in Des Moines reside in her yard! She loved feeding and watching them.

Left to cherish her memory include her grandchildren, Bobbie Foster of Des Moines; Billie Foster of Osceola; Thomas Foster, IV (Clover) of St Marys, and Jeff Hall, JR of Des Moines. 9 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great-great grandchild, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and greats of those lines.

Greeting her in Heaven were her 1st husband, John Hall and her 2nd husband, Edwin Best. Her children, Jeff Hall, Sr and Jennifer Foster; grandchildren Kim Hall, Holly Hall, Tammie Foster-Parisho, as well as two great-grandchildren, Toni Buchman and James Thomas Prine, V.

The family will greet guests on Monday, July 28th, 2025, from 10:00-11:00am at Hamilton’s near Highland Memorial Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment will follow her service across the street at Highland Memorial Gardens 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in memory of Emma. Or, consider purchasing a bag of bird or squirrel food, and take a quiet moment to feed them in her honor.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamitlonsfuneralhome.com

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