Alma Ruth Grimes Aanes, 94, of Fayette, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette. Alma was born October 23, 1927 in rural Fayette County, the daughter of Robert Leroy and Gladys Ruth Doan Grimes. She attended country schools and graduated from Elgin High School in 1945. She also attended Upper Iowa University. She married Earl Leonard Aanes on October 12, 1946 in Elgin and they moved to Fayette in 1949. They divorced in 1976. In later years, they rekindled a friendship and were able to do some extensive travelling. He died in December 2017. Alma babysat for many years for college students and friends while her children were still at home. She was an excellent seamstress, rebuilding fur coats, sewing wedding dresses, prom dresses, and clothes for the girl and their friends. One year she made pajamas for all seven grandkids for Christmas. She also worked at Upper Iowa University for about 25 years, the last fifteen years as Director of Alumni, retiring in 1989. Alma loved to play cards – bridge, 500, and Canasta were her favorites. But if someone would sit down, she always had a deck handy. She also enjoyed cribbage which she and Steve would play for hours. She was very active in the Fayette Methodist Church and Methodist Women. You would usually find her in the kitchen. She was a 67 year member of P.E.O. Chapter FG, Fayette. Alma’s favorite job in the early years was her kids. Summers were spent tent camping all over the state of Iowa. Janny says, “If it was free, we camped there”. And then came the grandkids, which she spoiled beyond belief. Summer vacations and Christmas at Grandma’s house was always special. She was an excellent cook, especially her lemon meringue pie, Norwegian pastries and oatmeal pancakes. She was loved dearly by her family and she returned that love in words, deeds and actions. She will be missed by all. Alma is survived by her children, Susie (Tim) Barry of Appleton, WI., Janny Dupuis of Wisconsin Rapids, WI., and Paul (William Best) Aanes of Spring Lake Park, MN.; daughter-in-law Susan Aanes of New London, IA.; grandchildren, Scott Aanes, Sarah (Christian) Prochaska, Katie Barry, Casey (Jen) Barry, Kelsie (Bobbie) Barry, Greg (Abby) Dupuis, and Stephanie (Dave) Gotlibson; eleven great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Steven; son-in-law Dave Dupuis; and sister and brother-in-law, Georgia and Mitch Mitchell. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the Fayette United Methodist Church. Pastor Mike Jager will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at the church until time of the service. A light luncheon will follow in the church hall followed by inurnment in Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa. A memorial has been established to the Fayette United Methodist Church.