Carol Lee VanCleave

Amana- It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Carol Lee Bell VanCleave, who passed away on April 30, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born on January 13, 1930, the daughter of Frank and Lucille (Phillips) Bell and raised in Albia, IA, Carol was a loving wife to her late husband Robert Eugene VanCleave for 62 years, and a devoted mother to her daughters Cindy Doyle, Julie (John, who has since passed) Griess and Amy (Dan) Wilson. She is survived by her three children, three grandchildren Heather (Bill Ostrum) Doyle Isackson, Connor (Alex Kearney Griess) Griess, and Haley Wilson and two great-grandchildren, Parker Bell and Maggie Isackson, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, who will miss her dearly.

Carol was an independent spirit who lived a joyful life and was a woman of many talents. She taught alongside her husband as an English teacher in the Amana Community School District for over 30 years.        

Carol had a green thumb and loved tending to her flowers and garden. Pink geraniums were her favorite. She enjoyed reading English mysteries and poetry, listening to public radio, spending time with family and friends, and traveling with Dad during their retirement.    

Carol was a kind, gentle, and generous soul, always putting others’ needs before her own. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her and she will be remembered for her infectious smile and warm personality.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Iowa followed by a graveside service at the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma, Iowa.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Essence of Life Hospice, Iowa Public Radio, or Safe Haven of Iowa County in memory of Carol Lee Bell VanCleave. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Carol and her family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Colonial Manor, Lakewood Village and Essence of Life Hospice for the kind and loving care they provided Mom in the final years of her life. We will forever be grateful.    

We are comforted knowing that Mom is sitting at the kitchen table on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa Bell, her sister Linda, brother Jim, and Dad looking out at the blossoming lilacs and listening to the gentle breeze whistle through the willows. 

Rest in peace, dear mother. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.