Lois M. Drey

With deep love, we announce the passing of Lois Marie Drey, 80, of Clive, Iowa, a woman of devout faith and immense love, on October 19, 2026. Born in Carroll, Iowa, on June 14, 1946, the daughter of the late Albert and Dorothy Kennebeck, Lois was an exceptionally intelligent, strong and loving woman, who grew up on a farm near Roselle, Iowa.

Lois attended Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll, Iowa, and upon graduation met the love of her life, George Drey, whom she married on October 16, 1965. They lived first in Early, Iowa until they moved to Carroll in 1970. She centered her life on her faith and her family, which included her husband and her five children. George and Lois believed strongly in Catholic education and made it possible for all of their children to attend Catholic schools, even through college. While only completing high school herself, Lois knew the value of education and strongly encouraged her children to make the most of the opportunities presented to them. She and George made it a goal to attend and/or coach as many of their children's events as they could. It would be difficult to tally all of the sporting or other academic events which they attended in order to support their children (and when possible, their grandchildren).

Although family was Lois' first priority, she believed strongly that to whom much was given much was expected. After raising her five children, she re-engaged in the work world and became the secretary for Holy Spirit Parish in Carroll, serving the pastors and the parish for over 25 years. Continuing to mesh her faith with her desire to give back, she served as the Holy Spirit Women's Guild secretary in Carroll, for many years. She was also extremely active in the Catholic Daughters of America for over 50 years, during which she also served as the financial secretary for them while residing in Carroll. She also assisted with funeral lunches for Holy Spirit Church and for St. Francis of Assisi Church, when George and Lois moved to Clive in 2012. As her mobility decreased, she became even more active in praying for those around her. She was active with the Universal Living Rosary Association, and she and George were active daily Mass goers at St. Francis of Assisi (often the first to arrive), and a constant part of the Perpetual Adoration there.

Lois truly lived her life centered on her faith and a deep love of her family, and she treasured the times when all could be together and enjoy some of her cooking. Although she endured great pain from her neuropathy and other ailments for many of her later years, unless you knew her well, you would never have known of her suffering. She gave generously of herself through the provision of offerings to the Connection Cafe, handwritten cards to men and women in religious life, and the constant prayer for all those around her. All those who knew her will remember her strength, her prayers and devotion, her encouragement, her scotcheroos, and the constant love that shaped her life. She, along with her husband, George, built a life full of faith, deep love of family, and a legacy of giving back that will forever be part of the legacy she leaves behind to all who loved her.

Lois is survived by her husband, George Drey, with whom she celebrated 61 years of marriage; her loving children, Paul (Stephanie) of Clive, Julie (Al) Testin of Cedar Rapids, Philip (Amanda) of Marion, Daniel (Steffanie) of Marion, and Nick (Sarah) of Clive.

10 grandchildren: Joseph Drey, Tyler (Meredith) Testin, Melina Testin, John "Jack" Drey, Stacia Drey, Carly Drey, Cooper Drey, Carter Drey, Kaitlyn Drey and Caleb Drey.

Her brother and sisters: Leon (Donna) Kennebeck, Mary (Richard) Spanheimer, and Betty (Ronald) Lansink. Her brother and sister-in-laws, Raymond Drey, Ronald (Joyce) Drey, Richard (Katie) Drey; Peggy (Paul) Howart, and Randy (Debbie) Drey.

In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her brother, Gerald Kennebeck, and her sister-in-laws, Theresa Scanlon, Betty Drey and Susan Drey.

Lois is also remembered by many extended family and friends who will deeply miss her.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral Mass will be held immediately following at 10:30 a.m. with Father Joseph Pins and Father John Bertogli celebrating. Burial will follow in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Carroll, Iowa.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Lois's memory to either Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll, Iowa or Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa or to a non-profit of your choice.