Elayna R. Caruthers

Elayna Rue Caruthers of Granger passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Kavanagh House Hospice. She was 53 years old. Elayna was born January 9, 1969 in Des Moines, the daughter of Larry and Janice (Bristle) Nelson. She grew up in Woodward, Iowa where she graduated from Woodward-Granger High School in 1987. Elayna went on to Iowa State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and graduating in 1991. She started off working as a counselor for at risk teens and children in need of assistance. She later joined the Mary Kay family where she spent the next 20 years growing within the organization. Elayna was blessed with two children, Matthew and Samuel, and was married to Allen Caruthers in 2015. They were the loves of her life. She enjoyed game night, animals, baking, and traveling, especially to California beaches. She was an ardent Green Bay Packers and Iowa State Cyclones fan. Elayna was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Valley Church in West Des Moines. Elayna was a kind, compassionate friend who helped many others. She was a hard-working mother, creating a beautiful life for her family. She will be remembered for her unselfish gratitude, her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and support for her community. She is survived by her loving husband, Allen of Granger, sons, Matthew Peterson and Samuel Peterson; parents, Larry and Janice Nelson of Woodward; sister, Lora Reever of Glidden; nephews, William (Leah) Reever, and Wesley (Amanda) Reever; and niece, Whitney Reever. Elayna was preceded in death by her brother, Brian Nelson, brother-in-law, Tim Reever, grandparents, Ruth Morrissey, and Sam and Ruby Bristle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and will later be donated to the charity of their choosing. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, August 19, 2022, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorial service for Elayna will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Valley Church in West Des Moines. A private family inurnment will take place later at the Woodward Cemetery.