Harriett Nassiff Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For Harriett Nassiff

Harriett Etta Nassiff, 86, passed peacefully into the presence of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Harriett spent her early years there before her family briefly moved to New York in the 1940s. They later returned to Des Moines, and as a teenager, Harriett settled in Griswold, where she completed high school while caring for an elderly couple.

In 1957, Harriett married George Petersen, and together they welcomed three children to their union. She cherished her life as a farm wife and later worked in various roles, primarily caregiving, reflecting her nurturing spirit. In 2001, Harriett married George Nassiff, and they lived in Sioux City, Iowa, until his passing in 2019. In 2022, she relocated to Ankeny, Iowa.

Harriett was a devoted mother and grandmother with a wide range of interests, including butterflies, snowmen, puzzles, gardening and walking. Above all, her deep love for Jesus defined her life. Her faith inspired decades of service, from leading Bible studies and teaching Sunday school to sharing her testimony with others. Harriett’s steadfast faith and vibrant witness touched countless lives.

She is survived by her daughters, Kim (Jeff) Westphal of Casey, Iowa, and Tamara (David) Nassiff of Ankeny, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Kay Petersen of Essex, Iowa; stepdaughters, Karen (Greg) Miller of Sioux City, Iowa, and Kathy (Matt) Wentz of Le Mars, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and siblings, Fred Cahhal, Madeline Cahhal, and Belva Hall, all of Des Moines, Iowa.

Harriett was preceded in death by her husband, George Nassiff; son, Blain Petersen; stepson, Jeff Nassiff; six siblings; and her parents.

Harriett’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, at First Church of Christ (310 NW Ash Dr.) in Ankeny, Iowa, with visitation at 9:30 AM and the funeral at 10:30 AM. A luncheon, featuring Harriett’s favorite vanilla ice cream, will be served by the church. Burial will take place on Friday, April 18, at 1:00 PM, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa. Memorials in Harriett’s honor may be given to Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

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