Delores “Dode” Katherine Fuson, 90, of Granger passed away peacefully Aug. 12, 2024, holding the hand of the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Fuson, at the Kavanaugh House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dode was born to John Gerald and Elzada (Palmer) Snider on Sept. 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, Dode was involved in showing Ayrshire cattle through 4-H, church youth group, choir, including earning an all-state selection in high school and tap dancing.
She proudly performed for the World War II 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 Aug. 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.
Dode 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; 32 great-grandchildren; 12 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 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18 and a service at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, with burial at the 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.
