Danielle Willoughby

Danielle S. Willoughby, 29, of Ankeny, Iowa, died Friday, August 11, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 14, 2017, at Ankeny Baptist Church (2842 SW 3rd Street, Ankeny, IA 50023). Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at Ankeny Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oralabor Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Ankeny Baptist Church.

Danielle was born August 11, 1988, in Bradenton, Florida, to Brian and Debbie (Cochran) Souza. She graduated from Charlotte High School in Charlotte, Michigan in 2006. Danielle was united in marriage to Joel Willoughby on June 27, 2009 in Clyde, Ohio. Together they were blessed with two sons, Roger (5) and Isaiah (4).

Danielle worked at the North Ankeny HyVee bakery. She was a member of Ankeny Baptist Church, an excellent flautist and always enjoyed bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. She delighted in serving and ministering to others and their needs. Danielle and Joel just concluded their summer ministry at Northland Camp in Dunbar, Wisconsin. There she served at Joel's side in his role as Assistant Program Director. Danielle loved spending time with her family. Her greatest satisfaction came first from knowing Christ, and then as a wife and mother.

Danielle is survived by her husband, Joel, of Ankeny; sons: Roger and Isaiah; parents Brian and Debbie Souza of Charlotte, MI; a brother, David (Michelle) Wears and their children Alaithia, Elijah, Karis and Zoe of Eaton Rapids, MI. She is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends.

Danielle resides now in God's presence by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).