Gretchen Cunningham Pope

Gretchen C. Pope, 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Unity Point Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines.

Gretchen Lenore Cunningham Pope was born March 3, 1933, in Davenport, Iowa to Anson Lyle & Donna Louise (Vance) Cunningham.   She was raised in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School.  She then attended Grinnell College and Drake University.   She worked for many years at Insurance Services Office, LLC.

She is survived by her daughter, Judith L. (Edward) Shafer-Menuey, daughter-in-law, Linette M. (John) Boden, grandchildren, Stephanie L. (Jason) Adamoyurka, Nathan L. (Krystal) Boden, Reid A. Shafer-Bruhn and Maria N. (Dakota) Kittle.   Great Grandchildren, Zoey, Jack, Cole, & Rita Adamoyurka, Isabelle Boden and many nieces and nephews.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, son, Russell F. Shafer III, an infant daughter Gay L. Shafer and her sister, Charlene C. Steinbrecher.

She will be buried in the Webb Cemetery, Rural Norwalk.  A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 9th at 1 pm at the Covenant Christian Church, 2700 72nd St. in Urbandale. Memorials may be directed the church.