Neva Lee McDowell

Neva Lee (Kindred) McDowell passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in the home of her daughter under hospice care on September 14, 2025. She was the daughter of Clarence & Faye (Hagan) Kindred, born in Decatur County, December 21, 1938. She was raised on a farm near Van Wert, IA with her older brother and sister, Ronal & Reva, and a younger brother, Gale.

Neva Lee attended country schools before graduating from Van Wert High in 1957. She attended AIB in Des Moines with the intention of getting a business degree but was persuaded by her high school sweetheart, Orval McDowell, to marry and start a family. They were married on September 22, 1957. To this union were born 3 children, Rick, Ronda and Ronal.

Eventually they made their forever home in Osceola, IA, building their dream home in 1970 and residing there for over 54 years.

Neva Lee & Orval bought the Western Auto store in 1967 and worked side by side, building the business together until 1983. She worked at the local radio station, KJJC, in Osceola and loved every minute of her time there. She was then hired as the secretary for the Clarke County Engineer's office before working in the Clarke County Auditor's office as a Deputy Auditor. She enjoyed working with the public and made many friends over the course of her career. She retired from the auditor's office in 2015.

Neva Lee loved spending time with family & friends, traveling, gardening and she especially enjoyed planting flowers each Spring and acquiring plants from places she visited. She made an inviting home for all and enjoyed hosting many get togethers for family & friends. She was an excellent cook and always made sure you never left her home hungry or without leftovers. Everyone was welcome in her home and made to feel like family. Many a time grandkids with friends in tow, would descend on her home, all yelling "Hi Granma!", make a beeline for the basement, raid the goodies and make themselves at home. She was always ready to help anyone in need and always available for her children and grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a cancer survivor. We shall all miss her smiles, laughter, sense of adventure, humor, courage and love.

Neva Lee is survived by her children, Rick McDowell of Osceola, IA, Ronda (Dan) Harrison of Chariton, IA, Ronal (Karen) McDowell of Sheridan, WY; grandchildren, Jennifer (Scott) Keefer of Gladstone, MO, Tonille (Scott) Burrows of Murfreesboro, TN, Rachelle (Jeremy) Davis of Indianola, IA, Kyle (Cassandra) McDowell of Nashville, TN, Kasey McDowell of Grimes, IA and Reed McDowell of Sheridan, WY; great-grandchildren, Elaven & Gaven Burrows of Murfreesboro, TN, Daniel, William & Rosslyn Davis of Indianola, IA, Sophia McDowell of Nashville, TN and Kade McDowell of Grimes, IA; step-grandchildren, Kenny (Lauren) Harrison & children-Brynn, Augustus & Luke, Kyle (Melody) Harrison & children-Delaney & Grant, Garrett (McKenna) Cone & children- Maverick & Beckham, Kaylee Cone: step-great grandchildren, Kaylee (Colt) Keefer-Churchill; sister in-law, Joyce (Bob) McDowell, brother in-law, Darwin (Durine) McDowell, sister in-law Cindy (Roger) Vandel; and many cherished nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Neva Lee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Orval, great-grandson, Jeffrey Orval "JO" Davis, brother Ronal Kindred, sister & brother in-law Reva & Edward Beers, brother & sister in-law, Gale & Donna Kindred; in-laws, Vivian McDowell, Ray & Lavern McDowell, Bob McDowell, Con & Cecilia McDowell, Colleen & Sam West, Gary & Joyce McDowell.

Neva Lee's family will greet friends from 10:00am until 11:30 Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola

Burial of her cremains will be at 2:00 on Saturday, October 11th at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com