Leona “Lee” De Bruin, 88, of Pella, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on April 4, 1938, on a farmhouse between Pella and Knoxville in Marion County, Iowa, Lee lived a life marked by faith, family, hard work, and devotion to her community.

Lee was preceded in death by her father, William Louwsma; her mother, Marie Vermeer Hutton; her stepfather, Roscoe Hutton; her sisters, Micki Weatherby, Ethel Strang, Maxine McKee, and Betty Vermeer; and her parents-in-law, Arnold and Bernice De Bruin.

On February 10, 1956, she married the love of her life, Larry De Bruin, in Mahaska County, Iowa. Together they built a wonderful life centered on faith, family, friends, and service. Recently, Lee and Larry were blessed to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will be treasured by their family for years to come.

Lee was a valued and dedicated employee of Central College, serving in the Admissions Office and bookstore for 42 years. Her warm personality, strong work ethic, and caring spirit touched the lives of countless students, families, faculty members, and friends.

A faithful member of Third Church, Lee lived her faith through quiet service, steadfast devotion, and genuine care for others. She was an avid gardener who delighted in tending flowers and plants through the years. She also enjoyed reading and was rarely without a good book nearby. One of her favorite daily activities was walking—whether it was her walk to Central College, around town, at church, or simply enjoying the beauty of the community she loved.

More than anything, Lee treasured time spent with her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found her greatest joy in family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments shared with those she loved most.

Lee is survived by her devoted husband, Larry De Bruin; her son, Scott (Deb) De Bruin; granddaughter Jessica (David) Winegar and their children, Dalton, Hudson, and Josalynn Winegar; daughter Vicki Simoens; granddaughter Meagan Simoens (Brian Gerginski) and their children, Rowan Simoens and Abby Gerginski; granddaughter Molly (Dave) Snyder and their children, Bodie and Nellie Snyder; daughter Crysti (Karl) Allen; grandson Ben Allen; granddaughter Sara (Michael) Jontz and their children, Julian and Reese Jontz; as well as many beloved extended family members and dear friends.

Lee will be greatly missed by her loving family, church family, former coworkers, friends, and neighbors. Her legacy of faith, kindness, dedication, and unconditional love will continue to live on through the generations that follow her. She taught those around her the importance of hard work, devotion to family, and finding joy in life's simple blessings.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lake View Camp, PO Box 836, Pella, IA 50219 or to Hospice of Pella - Comfort House, 505 Union St, Pella, IA 50219.

The Memorial Service will be Livestreamed on the Garden Chapel YouTube page.