LaRae Denham Obituary

LaRae Sheree’ Denham, 62, passed away on October 15, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. A celebration of life will take place from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Valley View Village, located at 2571 Guthrie Ave. in Des Moines.

LaRae was born on October 8, 1963, in Des Moines, Iowa to Carl and Georgia (Leonard) Beers. In 1969, her family moved to Perry, Iowa, where she grew up and graduated from Perry High School in 1982. Not long after, on June 23, 1984, she married the love of her life, Randy Denham. They stayed by each other’s side until Randy’s passing in 2024.

LaRae began working for the Polk County Treasurer’s Office in 1986 and spent over three decades there before retiring in 2018. She had a fiery spirit (which her mother often blamed on her red hair), a big heart, and a love for the little joys in life, such as a good book, a home-cooked meal, and a slot machine that seemed so close to hitting the jackpot.

She lit up when talking about her grandkids and was their biggest cheerleader at every sporting event. Nothing made her happier than simply being around her family. LaRae was a constant in so many lives. She was someone you could always count on, whether you needed advice or just a listening ear.

LaRae is survived by her mother, Georgia Beers; sons, Justin (Meagan) Denham and Randy (Angela) Denham; grandchildren: Sebastian Denham, Zachary Denham, Kadyn Denham, Adalyn Denham, Kameron Denham and Kayli Denham; one great-grandchild, Paislee Prior; sister, RaNae Beers Ellett; brother, Roger (Michele) Beers; and many other loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Carl, and her husband, Randy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Valley View Village.

Condolences can be made at Ilescares.com
Arrangements are being handled by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

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