Dana Roby Obituary

Dana Lynn Roby, age 71, died peacefully on August 22, 2025, at Bishop Drumm Nursing Home in Johnston.

Dana was a beloved granddaughter, family member, friend, and co-worker — someone whose joy for life and love for others left a lasting impact on many.

Born in Des Moines and raised by her devoted Grandma and Grandpa Roby, Dana faced life with strength, determination, and a heart full of joy. Dana was born with extra challenges, but she faced those challenges with courage and grace (and also a fair amount of stubbornness), living a full and meaningful life centered on love, laughter, and connection.

Dana attended Norwoodville Elementary and graduated from Ruby Van Meter School. She worked for decades at Hy-Vee, where she was a team member known for her work ethic, warmth, enthusiasm, and bright smile. She retired in 2018. She had many special relationships with friends and “staff”, including her long-time best friend and roommate, Tammi Simet.

Dana had a remarkable memory and never forgot a birthday. She loved celebrating others —and especially loved celebrating her own birthday. Her passions were uniquely Dana: she adored the color purple, butterflies, singing hymns (and eating donuts) with her Grace Lutheran church family, the Iowa State Fair, Christmas Eve, men in uniform, Donny and Marie, and talking on the telephone. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her joy became everyone’s joy.

Above all, Dana loved her family and friends deeply. She gave freely of her heart, her smile, and her time (and especially her time, if you were on one of her many extended phone calls).

Her legacy is one of love, perseverance, and celebration. She will be missed dearly but remembered with laughter, admiration, and deep affection.

A service remembering and celebrating Dana’s life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines, on Tuesday, September 2 at 5 pm, with a meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, your act of kindness to a person with special needs would be a fitting tribute to Dana.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.IlesFuneralHomes.com

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Dana Roby, please visit our Tribute Store.