Juanita Grace "Gigi" Lake

Juanita Grace McAmis Lake, 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 26, 2026. She passed away peacefully in her home with her loving family by her side. A celebration of Juanita's life will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale, at 11:00 a.m. with burial following at Glendale Cemetery. The family will greet friends and family on Wednesday April 8, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Assembly of God 4425 70th Street, Urbandale, IA.

Juanita was born on April 5, 1929, the only child of Homer Franklin and Grace Ann (Combs) McAmis. Born prematurely at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Juanita came into this life weighing only three and a half pounds. Juanita was raised in the small town of West Branch, Iowa. She often described her childhood as idyllic, even though she grew up facing the hardships brought on by the Great Depression. Juanita enjoyed a happy childhood. Throughout her life, Juanita recounted stories from her small-town life, and how she and her parents enjoyed a close-knit community with strong family-like ties with their neighbors. Families shared a strong familiarity with one another during those difficult times, and everyone relied upon their friends and neighbors like family. Juanita often said she didn't know her family was poor because everyone was in the same situation. Still, her friends and neighbors created a community where everyone felt safe and happy.

As a young girl, Juanita learned to play the clarinet, attended Friends Church with her family, and loved going to outdoor movies. She eagerly anticipated her weekly trips to the local library, always bringing home as many books as she could carry. Juanita remained an avid reader throughout her life.

In 1943 her family moved to Ankeny, IA, so her parents could work at the Iowa Ordnance Plant to help with the war effort. Juanita attended Ankeny High School, where she continued to play clarinet in the high school band. She even went on to participate at the 1946 All State Music Festival. Juanita also served as class recorder for her 1946 graduating class of 17 students. Throughout her lifetime, Juanita continued to organize annual class reunions, a sign of her unwavering devotion to her lifelong friends from high school. After graduating high school, Juanita began working for the State Department of Social Welfare. Her strong shorthand (150 wpm) and typing skills proved instrumental in managing the "Old Age Assistance" program. In 1948 she went to work for John Deere and later transitioned her career working for the US Army at the Military District at Fort Des Moines. Outside of work, she found enjoyment in going to movies with friends and dancing at the Tromar Ballroom, where she ultimately met her future husband, John Leto.

Juanita married John in 1951 and traveled with him as he served in the US Army until he went overseas a year later. She returned to Ankeny in November 1952 where she lived until her husband left the service in 1953. They moved to Des Moines in 1953 where their union brought forth four children: Kathleen Grace, Linda Ann, Christine Marie, and John Franklin. Mom enjoyed her role as wife and mother. Tragically, in 1970, John passed away in the line of duty while serving as a Des Moines firefighter.

In 1973, Juanita found love again, marrying James "Mike" Wayne Lake. Her household immediately became a lively one, with five active teenagers keeping her busy at sporting events, musical performances, and school activities. After Mike's retirement, the couple embraced a lifestyle of adventure, spending winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, and touring the western U.S. in their Winnebago during the summers. They deeply valued their time with family and friends. Juanita and Mike shared 38 years of marriage before his death in 2011.

In 1949 Juanita embraced a devout Christian faith that was the cornerstone of her life. Her deep commitment to Christ was evident in all facets of her life. Juanita and Mike were members of First Assembly of God Church for more than thirty-five years, and for many years, they both actively served in the Food Pantry Ministry. Beyond her church, Juanita was also a dedicated member of Christian Women's Club for over 35 years. From 2010 to 2018, Juanita attended New Hope Assembly of God. Even as her health declined, preventing in-person attendance, Juanita's devotion never wavered; she continued to watch online services and read her Bible daily. Her children and grandchildren remember her as a powerful "prayer warrior," a testament to her lifelong intercessions for them. As a grandma and great-grandma, Juanita, or Gigi as she was fondly called, found immense joy. She eagerly babysat, made sure to attend school activities and performances, and truly relished the times her grandchildren would visit her and Mike at their Arizona home during the winter months.

Juanita is survived by her daughters Kathleen (Carroll) Hardy of Prole, Linda Leto of Clive, Christine (Tod) Moser of Columbia, Missouri; son John (Tricia) Leto of Runnells; stepsons Michael Lake of Mercedes, Texas and David (Donna) Lake of Texas; stepdaughter, Marsha (Vic) Munoz of Pleasant Hill; grandchildren Amanda Hardy, Nathanael (Angelica Lai) Hardy, Sarah (Benjamin) Bradley, Ryan (Kaylie) Schneider, David (Heather) Moser, Mallory Moser (Sung Uk An), Daniel Moser, Nicolas (Frances) Moser, Annika (Dylan) Murphey, Shelby (Joshua) Hanrahan, Johnny (Kira) Leto, Heather (Michael) Reyes, Mitchell (Sarah) Lake, Tina Lake, Toni (Bruce) Tiemeier, Aimee (Samuel) Meier, Ashley Munoz, and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Leto and James Lake; her parents, Homer and Grace McAmis; and grandson Matthew Lake.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Juanita's caregivers at Home Care Assistance, and Beth Ellis Christensen and Joy Streeter, for the loving in-home care they provided to Juanita. A special thank you goes to Sharon Ash, who for years offered her ongoing love and support during their cherished Friday afternoon visits.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Assembly of God or Hope Ministries.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.