Diane Kay Harms

Diane Kay Harms, 70, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2021 caused by a sudden brain hemorrhage. She was born to parents Ralph and Bertha Kinkead, on March 25, 1951 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is the middle of seven siblings, all of whom survive her. Diane attended Upper Iowa University and graduated in 1973 with a degree in Psychology. As well as being a cheerleader she was a proud member of the E.Y.E. social organization. She met the love of her life, and in Steve’s words he was the “The Big Man on Campus”. In their senior year, they became the perfect pair; cheerleader and football player, and spent 46 eventful years of marriage together. In 2019, Diane, along with Steve, were inducted into the UIU Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of a lifetime of commitment and philanthropy to UIU, including the Diane Kinkead Harms Cheer Endowment in 2014. After marrying on December 21, 1974 they began their life together and Diane blossomed into the most loving and dedicated mother to their five children. Her pride and joy was in raising her kids and watching her grandchildren grow. She became affectionately known as “Nana” and cherished her 13, (going on 14) grandchildren. Throughout the many family milestones, she always gave her time and unconditional love in everything she did. She would be anywhere her family or friends needed or wanted her to be at any time. Her most treasured moments were hosting friends and family at Lake Ponderosa where many family traditions will continue in her honor. Her warm and vivacious personality made her the life of any party and her generous heart made her a loyal friend to many. Diane held immeasurable qualities as a role model that will be missed by her family, friends and all who she came to know. She was exceptionally creative and it shined through her hobbies of sewing, knitting, scrapbooking as well as a good craft night. Her best and most productive times were into the late hours of the evening where you could find her working on many of her homemade crafts, reading or puzzling. She also enjoyed beautifying her homes and volunteering in her neighborhood and church. Diane is survived by her husband, Steve Harms of West Des Moines; her children, Kelie (Dan) Gray of Dillon, CO, Tisha (Nate) Taylor of Golden, CO, Lindsay (Travis) Juhl of Ankeny, IA, Britni (Cody) Smith of Ankeny, IA, Jordan (Judy) Harms of Grinnell, IA; and her grandchildren Tanner Gray, Parker Gray, Kendal Gray, Beate Taylor, Lucy Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Georgia Juhl, Gabriella Juhl, McKinli Smith, Calvin Smith, Bentley Smith, Vincent Harms, Willa Harms, and soon to be another baby girl Harms. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Bertha Kinkead, her second mother, Kay Kinkead, and in-laws Cal and Iris Harms. The family has entrusted Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home with the arrangements. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 16 from 4-7 pm at the funeral home; 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322. A funeral service will be held on September 17 at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325. Mask are required at the church. Immediately following, please join us in celebrating her legacy at The Embassy Club West, 520 Market St, West Des Moines, IA 50266. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Diane Harms Charitable Memorial Fund. Her family will support the following organizations meaningful to Diane: Upper Iowa University Cheerleading Endowment, Faith Lutheran Church & Meals for the Heartland.