A visitation will be held at Ankeny Funeral Home, located at 1510 West First Street, Ankeny, Iowa, 50023, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at the same location on November 16, 2025, beginning at 2:00 pm.. A graveside service will take place at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa, 50311, on November 17, 2025, beginning at 9:00 am.
Santa was born on January 1, 1933, in Palermo, Italy, to Giuseppe and Asunta Pirrera. At 13 years old she met the love of her life, Valerio Ladurini, their connection blossomed into a lifelong loving partnership of 66 years.
Santa and Valerio bravely immigrated to the United States in 1955. They quickly established roots on the south side of Des Moines, where she lived until 2016. At that time, she moved to Ankeny, to be closer to her cherished family.
Santa will be remembered for her strength, her devotion to her family, and her incredible resilience. Her legacy is one of unwavering love, dedicated caregiving, and deep connection to her Italian heritage, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
Santa was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Valerio; parents, Giuseppe and Asunta Pirrera; her brothers and sisters, Stefano, Rosa, Paula, Paolo, Nino, and Mario; son-in-law, Rick Ginther; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Oreste and Pasquina, whom she took great care of.
She is survived by her loving children, Patricia Ginther, Mary (Dan) Draayer, David (Elissa) Ladurini; Santa was a proud "Nonna" to five grandchildren, Adam (Shannon) Draayer, Hannah (Tate) Arends, and Connor, Carson, and Caleb Ladurini; She was blessed with four great-grandchildren, Theo, Warren, Titus, and Nelly; She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a special family friend, Gianna Hoffman.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Suites of Ankeny and Suncrest Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care provided to Santa in her final years.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com for the Ladurini family.
