Leora "Arlene" Hakes, 87, of Urbandale, Iowa went home to be with her Lord on August 5, 2009 at the Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa. Arlene was born and raised around the Norwalk/Martensdale, Iowa area. She married her childhood sweetheart and best friend Orval Hakes in 1942. She and Orval could be found through the years playing duplicate and tournament bridge. Both achieved "Life Master" status. She was a member of the Willow Creek Baptist Church.

Arlene retired from Allied Mutual Insurance Company (Nationwide) after 12 years of service. Her greatest joy came from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, always keeping in close contact with each one. She was the family prayer warrior.

She will be lovingly missed by her husband of 67 years, Orval, and their three children: Sandra (Jerry) Christian of Story City, Becky (John) Parker of Adel, and Dennis (Tonya) Hakes of Muscatine. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, an aunt, Wilma Dunn (who was like a sister to her), and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bright Kavanagh House for the dignity and comfort they afforded Arlene during this time of transition. The kind words and deeds given to Arlene and the family during this time were greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be Friday Evening, August 7th at Overton's Funeral Home in Indianola, Iowa from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held Saturday, August 8th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Willow Creek Baptist Church at 720 Army Post Road, West Des Moines, IA.

The family would encourage, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be directed to the Willow Creek Baptist Church in Des Moines, or the Bright Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines.