Beulah Mae Hanks, 95, of Kelley, Iowa peacefully passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Beulah was born in Ames, Iowa, on January 26, 1931, daughter of Earl Webb and Shirley (Anway, Webb) Moore. She married the love of her life, Dean Hanks, on June 12, 1948.

While Dean and Beulah began their life together humbly in a one-room house with no electricity or indoor plumbing, they built a legacy of family, land, and generosity through hard work, fortitude, and perseverance. Dean and Beulah worked hard their whole lives, all while raising a family, and could always be counted on in times of need.

The greatest joy of Beulah’s life was her family. She loved caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a nurturing heart and boundless love. Beulah also found joy in preparing family meals, usually featuring her famous “mystery dishes”, crafting, birdwatching, traveling to visit family, and sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Dean and Beulah’s unwavering work ethic defined their lives; they dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to their family and their commitments.

Beulah joins her beloved husband of 75 years, Dean Hanks, in eternal peace; along with her sister, Lillian Webb; brothers, Merle Webb, Charles Moore and Bill Moore; sisters-in-law, Stella Miller, Lucille Heidmiller, Joan Georgeon, Beverly McMahon, and Nancy Coons; son-in-law, Arvin Foell; daughter-in-law, Cindy Hanks; grandson, Mike Hanks; and great-granddaughter, Sara Robinson.

Beulah is survived by her “five good kids, not perfect, but good”, Dennis (Pam Bell) Hanks of Cambridge, Iowa; Jeanne (Arvin, deceased) Foell of Kelley, Iowa; David (Cindy, deceased) Hanks of Slater, Iowa; Philip Hanks of Kelley, Iowa; and Mary (Dale) Oxendine of Chickamauga, Georgia. She was a proud “gramma” who left a legacy of love to 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A small, heartfelt celebration of her life will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Nord-Kalsem Park Shelter, 204 W 5th St., Huxley, Iowa. A larger celebration of life and love will take place on what would have been Dean and Beulah’s 78th wedding anniversary, Friday, June 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., which will include the couple’s interment of dual urns at Bethany Cemetery in Kelley. All are invited to join in honoring and celebrating her remarkable life and legacy rooted in her love, kindness, and resilience.

“No one needs to cry for me, for I’m as happy as I can be. I’m with my Savior for eternity. I pray my family and friends will follow me.”- Beulah Mae Hanks (2022)

Celebration of Life

Jan

16

Nord-Kalsem Park Shelter

204 W. 5th Street
Huxley, IA 50124

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM