Delores “Dode” Katherine Fuson, 90, of Granger, Iowa, passed away peacefully August 12, 2024, holding the hand of the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Fuson at Kavanaugh House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dode was born to John Gerald and Elzada (Palmer) Snider on September 23, 1933 at home in rural Granger. She attended Snider Country School through seventh grade and graduated from Granger Public High School in 1951. In her youth, she was involved in showing Ayrshire cattle through 4H, church youth group, choir; earning an all-state selection in high school, and tap dancing; proudly performing for the WWII troops in Boone as well as on the radio. Following graduation, Dode went on to study at AIB in Des Moines.

High school sweethearts Chuck and Dode married on August 22, 1953. Eleven months later their daughter, Anita, was born. Shortly before Gerald “Gary” Fuson was born, the couple was honored to welcome William (Irena) Fuson and Francine (Jim) Williams into their home, expanding their family by three children in six months. They later had their youngest daughter, Kathy (Gregory) Walton.

Dodie loved children and devoted countless hours to her babysitting kids, her nieces and nephews, and the youth of the community throughout her adult life. She was a great cook and an avid sports fan. Dode enjoyed fishing, playing cards, flowers, and travelling with her husband. She was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Granger where she was financial secretary for many years and a longtime member of the women’s Ruth Circle.

Dode was a pillar of faith and love to everyone she met. Her generosity of time and spirit made all who encountered her feel cherished, comforted, and important.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, baby Anita, granddaughter Champlain Fuson, great-great-granddaughter Marlee Phillips, and brother John “Larry” Snider. She is survived by her husband, four children, nine grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, twelve great-great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Larry (Carolyn) Fuson, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Services will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Granger with visitation from 2-5pm on Sunday, August 18, and a service at 10:30 am on Monday, August 19 with burial at Lincoln Cemetery and a luncheon to follow.

Please make memorial gifts to the family and they will be distributed to causes dear to Dode’s heart.