Jacqueline 'Jacque' Harwood

Jacque Harwood, 87, passed away surrounded by her family on July 30th, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. She was born on December 13th, 1937 to Wanda and George Jones, Jr., in Des Moines, Iowa.

After high school, she lived in Orange County, California, where she embraced life as a wife to Larry and mother. While raising her family in California, she remained deeply committed to her home and children. Eventually, she returned to Iowa to raise her children and worked at a local café called the Dill Pickle.
It was in Iowa that she met her second husband, Jack and later welcomed her daughter, Diana. Her passion for politics began to blossom there, leading to years of active involvement. In her later years, she dedicated time to serving at the Door of Faith Mission.

She had a passion for cooking and was often praised as a “supreme cook.” Gardening was another of her great joys, she cultivated everything from flowers and vegetables to bushes. With her remarkable green thumb, she consistently won the competition for who grew the best tomatoes.
Family was always at the center of her life. She was a constant source of support, the strong link that held the family together. She had an immense love for babies and showed compassion to everyone, whether family or friends.

Her political convictions never wavered. She tirelessly supported numerous local, state and national political candidates over the years, including two presidential hopefuls: Fred Harris and Robert Kennedy. She was a trailblazing advocate for individuals with special needs and a lifelong member of the Graphic Communications International union.

Above all, family was her number one priority. She built a strong legacy, rooted in love, service, and dedication, one she proudly passed on to her daughter, Diana. She was an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives and never missed an event.

Jacque is survived by her loving daughter, Diana (David) Ewing; grandchildren, Zachary (Amanda) Ewing and Jessica Ewing; great grandchildren, Gisele and Sonny; sisters, Glenda (Jon) Kaye Rowat, and Lorena (Tony) DaCosta; brother, Ric (Shelly) Jones, lifelong best friend and cousin, Judy Hall; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband of 37 years, Gregory “Greg” Harwood; children, Kimberly Irene Dowell, Larry John Dowell, Jr., and Mark Wayne Dowell; siblings, Jerry Jones (Jacque’s twin), Patricia Jones, James “Luke” Jones, Ronald Jones, Danny Wayne Jones, George Jones III, and Kenny Jones; and her half siblings, Ruby and Fred.

Visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 5, 2025, with funeral service following at 4:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to GiGi’s Playhouse of Des Moines, in honor of Jacque Harwood, and in memory of her son and daughter.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print