Belva Ruby (Gooding) Freel

May 18, 1932 – July 4, 2025

Belva was born in Rising Sun, Iowa on May 18, 1932 to Lawrence Ernest and Esther Lorine (Keeling) Gooding. She passed away in her home with her daughter Lori by her side on July 4, 2025. Belva was one of eight children, and went to East High in Des Moines,graduating in 1949. Being advanced for her age, she was moved up a grade and graduated with her older sister, Bertine. Belva attending Rising Sun Church while growing up, and built a strong faith foundation. She started working at Merchants Mutual Bonding Company as a secretary after high school. She was very talented at typing and shorthand, and had an amazing memory, making most any task easy for her. She took some years off while the kids were young, then went back to Merchants and eventually retired from there.

She married Larry Lee Freel and they had three children, Brenda Rae, Lester Lee and Lori Lou. Larry and Belva built their home in Woodland Hills in 1962 and she was still in the home at her time of death. They were very active in the kid's activities, volunteering to help however they could. Les was killed in a farming accident at the age of 14 – and the loss of a child is horrible for any parent. Belva was always pampered and spoiled by Larry – she never pumped gas or did any task like mowing the lawn, taking out garbage, taking care of household issues. When Larry passed from a heart attack at the age of 56, Brenda stepped in and took care of things around the house and pampered Belva the way her dad had done. Brenda passed away at the age of 54 from complications of cancer – and Belva was alone at home for the first time in her life. She didn't like being alone in the house, and had to learn some new skills but accepted it.

Belva also faced many medical challenges head on in her life. She had endometrial cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, and suffered from glaucoma that eventually took most of her vision. She always showed amazing grace and strength facing whatever obstacle life threw at her, keeping moving forward. After Brenda's death Belva started attending Runnells Christian Church regularly and truly enjoyed all the wonderful people that brought into her life who have helped along her journey.

She enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, group card games and solitaire. She had a wooden lap board her father built by hand that she played solitaire on at home. She always had to have her hands busy – when her sight failed she started sitting and counting bottle rings and buttons. Belva also enjoyed women's tennis – watching every tournament possible to cheer for her favorite players. Lots of time was spent camping while the kids were young. They had a converted school bus and would pack up after work on Friday night and head out for the weekend. The bus was upgraded and August was always camping at the Iowa State Fair and enjoying the two weeks spent with their Fair Family enjoying life. Belva camped every year until Brenda passed.

Belva was greeted at Heaven's gates by her parents, siblings Gretchen, Vernon, Baby Ruth, Gordon, Jean, Bertine and Edgar, her husband, son and daughter. She is survived by her daughter, Lori, and several nieces and nephews and dear friends who checked in on her and watched out for her until her death.  She couldn't have stayed in her house without her village – several loved ones helped with the journey taking her to appointments, mowing, helping with fixing things around the house, and just caring and loving her and giving her someone to talk to during a long day alone. Suncrest Hospice staff were wonderful helping Belva through her end of life journey. Thank you to everyone for loving Belva and bringing joy to her life.

Services will be held at Runnells Christian Church on Thursday July 10, 2025. Please dress casually and join us for cookies and coffee (Belva's favorite way to start the day) at 9:30 a.m Funeral services will follow at 10:30am, with burial to follow in Lowman Cemetery. Coburn Funeral Home is in charge of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Runnells

Christian Church