Lois Earley Heschele

Lois Pettegrew Earley Heschele, age 97 passed into eternal life on April 16, 2026. Born December 5, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY to Ruth Dietrick and Loyd Steil Pettegrew, Lois was the oldest of five children, two of whom (Gail Pratt and Anne Clancy) have pre-deceased her.

Lois graduated from Stanford University with a degree in elementary education, subsequently earning a Masters from Lesley University. She taught both in Palo Alto, California and Colorado Springs, District 11 (Audubon and Patrick Henry Elementaries) and considered her thirty years of teaching and relating to her students as a highlight of her life. She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

Lois volunteered as a Cub and Girl Scouts Leader, Room Mother, Marriage Mentor, Assistance League Member and Board Member for the HOA of Cobblestone Townhouse. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter CE as well as Woodmen Valley Chapel.

Lois remarried later in life to long time friend, George “Dutch” Heschele and they enjoyed their golden years traveling and watching their grandchildren grow up. Dutch passed away on May 9, 2014.

Lois is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Steven Loyd Earley and Claudia Earley; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Kay Phillips and Stephen Phillips; beloved grandchildren, Brian and Sarah, Todd and Allison, Lisa and John, Michelle and Stephen, Suzanne, and Jeffrey; sister Claire Pettegrew and brother Loyd S. Pettegrew; and great-grandchildren Sean, Nora, Connor and Blake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PEO Star Scholarship Fund, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312