Amanda Privett

Amanda L. Privett, age 66, went home to be with Jesus September 15, 2004. A Celebration of Life service will be 2 p.m. Monday, September 20 at Kingsway Church, 9000 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. Visitation is from 12 p.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. Burial will follow services at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes, IA.

Amanda was born December 15, 1937 in Golconda, IL. She previously resided in the Quad Cities until moving to Des Moines in October 1988. She was a wonderful mother and friend. Everyone who knew or loved her was truly blessed to have known her. She enjoyed having her children around including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She truly cared about other people. She was by far the most unselfish person we knew.

Amanda had done volunteer work since she was very young. She worked at various jobs for many years to provide for her children. Even after health problems made it hard for her to "work", she still did volunteering for Senior Companions and other programs or situations as needed, like at her apartment complex, where she helped make others' lives more comfortable.

Having a relationship with Jesus was the first priority in her life; going to church, worshiping her Lord Jesus and reading her Bible was what gave her guidance and strength to face all life's situations.

Amanda enjoyed a variety of things. She was an avid reader and was always open to learning new things. She loved to walk, and being around nature such as hiking trails, enjoying beautiful flowers and wildlife; the rose and lilac were her favorite flowers. Blue and lavender were her favorite colors. She felt blessed to have friends to visit with and be a part of her life. She loved to listen to music, especially her worship and gospel songs. Spending time with her family and friends brought her much joy. Some of her favorite Bible verses were, but not limited to, John 3:16 and 17, Psalm 23 and 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Amanda is survived by her children, Theresa Jones and spouse Charles of Grimes, IA, Bill Privett of Grimes, IA, Marjorie Ruby and spouse James of Des Moines, IA, and Douglas Privett and spouse Sue of Des Moines, IA; eight grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Mattie Cummins and spouse Bill of Harrisburg, IL, and Sheila Ruge and spouse Richard of South Vienna, OH; brother, Jerry Brown and spouse Debbie of Bettendorf, IA; and a very large extended family including many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth; husband, Charles; two brothers, Doug and Arvel; sister, Johnada; and mother, Ressie Mae.

Amanda was very much loved and will be missed tremendously.