Alexandra "Ali" (Bushby) Manley, 34, of Des Moines, Iowa, has moved on to a peaceful place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

Ali was born on May 3, 1990, in Des Moines to Craig and Michelle (Lang) Bushby. After graduating from Indianola High School, Ali became the first person to earn Bachelor degrees in Linguistics: Arabic, Islamic Studies from the University of Iowa. She also completed degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language, World Religions, and Linguistics. Ali was the Head of the Diversity Council at the Federal Home Loan Bank in Des Moines for several years.

Following a period of significant personal challenges, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience. Ali met her husband Andrew, and the couple lived in Lambs Grove for approximately a year before settling down in Des Moines. Ali, her husband, and their service dog, Cū-Chulainn "Cooley" partnered with Rover to offer pet boarding from their home in the Merle Hay neighborhood, where they quickly gained and maintained recognition as a top-rated provider in the metro one year.

Ali enjoyed gardening with her husband and neighbors. Inspired by her mother, Ali created a garden featuring a fairy-inspired design and included many plants, flowers, and decorations from her childhood home on Lundahl Court. An avid painter of wildlife with a lifelong desire for artistic recognition, she quickly found a home within the Des Moines art scene, after support from her husband.  Although she was initially hesitant, her doubts were overcome when she sold several paintings, made many great friends, and found new meaning in her life. Her success quickly extended beyond the event, inspiring the Des Moines art scene. She attended various art shows and even helped run the art show at the Gabriel House.

Ali also loved visiting national parks and traveling; some of her favorite destinations being New Orleans and the UK.

Ali is survived by her husband Andrew Manley; father Craig Bushby; her brothers, Michael and Jonathan Bushby; niece and nephew, Caitlin and Connor;  her aunts and uncles Steve (Kathy Corcelius) Bushby, Mike (Karen) Bushby, Linda (Lyle) Danielson, Kent (Marla) Lang, Craig (Peggy) Lang; cousins, Erin (Justin Nelson) Danielson, Megan Danielson, Derek Danielson, Tony (Gracie) Lang, Stefanie (Corbin) Brady, Ashley (Ben) Devaney, Kelly (Josh) Engebretson, Lara Bushby, Maria Bushby; brothers-in-law, Anthony Rudkin Joseph Rogers.

Ali was preceded in death by her mother, Michelle (Lang) Bushby; grandparents, John and Marlys Bushby, John "Jack" and Inez Lang; and uncle, Curt Lang.

Ali touched the lives of everyone she met with her vibrant, free spirit and boundless kindness. Though her departure was unexpected, the beautiful memories she created and the love she shared will remain in our hearts forever.

Fulfilling her wishes, there will be a visitation 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, August 10 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.

A New Orleans Jazz Celebration of Life will be held at Simpson Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, Johnston, Iowa, October 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.