Louise Doonan

Louise Doonan
Pella. Louise Doonan 99, of Pella, died Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the Cottages in Pella. She was born February 20, 1925, on a farm near Lynnville, Iowa, the daughter of Homer and Zella Kirby Briggs. She graduated from New Sharon High School with the class of 1941. Following graduation, she took Normal training to become a teacher. She started teaching country school at Mill Grove country school for 4 years and then went to work for Barnes City Public School where she taught for 3 years. On June 1, 1947, she was united in marriage to (Robert) Dean Doonan. To this union three daughters were born, Marcia, Virginia, and Debra. Early on Louise dedicated her time to caring for her family and home. As her daughters reached school age, she went to work with Dean at Doonan Insurance and Real Estate in Montezuma. As the business grew, Louise expanded her professional qualifications by obtaining her insurance licenses and real estate license. She and Dean continued to own and operate the business until selling it in the mid1980's. Louse loved music, she and Dean enjoyed dancing and listening to Big Band Music. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, and the Legion Auxiliary. She was also a part of the Literary Club and an avid Bridge player.
Her family includes her daughters, Virginia "Ginger" (Bill) Grubb of Barnes City and Debra Leichty of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Robert Oliver, Chris Oliver, Deanna (Joel) Arkema, Samantha (Ezekiel) Howell, Faith Leichty, and Sara (Donovan) Yoder; four great grandchildren, Liam and Elly Arkema and Emma and Blake Yoder; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Dean Doonan of over 70 years on February 4, 2018; her parents; a daughter, Marcia Oliver; a granddaughter, Melissa Grubb; two sisters, Virginia Briggs and Colleen Fox; and three brothers, Melvin (Betty) Briggs, Wavern (Carolyn) Briggs, and James Briggs.
As was Louise's wish her body has been cremated. A private family graveside service and burial will be held in the Indianapolis Cemetery at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Indianapolis Cemetery.