Rea J. Hawxby

Rea was born July 16, 1938, in Farnhamville, Iowa, to Virgil and Betty (Swartz) Johnson. The family later relocated to Des Moines. On June 24, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa, Rea married Wallace R. Hawxby and together they raised five children, John, Alecia, Danny, Angie, and Leah.

Rea was known for her kind, compassionate and loving spirit. Everyone who entered her home was considered family; she always had an open door policy and no one ever left hungry. She enjoyed crafting, embroidery, sewing, quilting, ceramics, and making the grandchildren their favorite meals. She leaves behind a legacy of handmade treasures she made for her family and friends, porcelain dolls, baby quilts, tie flannel blankets, baby dolls and doll clothing. Rea had a gift for harmonizing friends and family and will be remembered for many unique and wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime.

Rea is preceded in death by her father, Virgil; mother, Betty; brother, Roger Johnson; sister, Judy (Johnson) Morris; and son, John Hawxby. She is survived by her husband, Wallace R. Hawxby; sister, Kay (Roger) Blair; children, Alecia (Terry) Patterson, Danny (Penny) Hawxby, Angie (Scott) Kinney, and Leah (Denny) Beery; daughter-in-law, Donna Hawxby, 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and an extended family of relations and friends that were deeply important to her.

Wally and the family would like to thank Dr. Craig A. Stark and staff at UnityPoint Health Cardiology Clinic.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to share memories with the family via Rea’s Facebook. To leave a message, please visit http://www.facebook.com/MemoriesRea, ‘Friend’ the account, and share your favorite stories and pictures.