Jerilee’s one of a kind name would foreshadow a one of a kind life. Her journey started in Boone, Iowa on May 16, 1951. She was born Jerilee Arringdale to Jared “Big Jer” and Donna “Rokki” (Walker) Arringdale. She was the first born of what would become a brood of six.

After graduating with honors from New Providence High School in 1969, her insatiable zest for exploration compelled her to live in many places from Missouri to Mexico and many places in between. From walking the beaches of Puget Sound with her daughter in the 70’s, to building a cabin in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest with Tim Mulstay in the 80’s, Washington was the place that truly captured her. But her journey would always return to Iowa, because people over place would be the foundation of her life.

Coming from a large family, she was always surrounded by loving parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She carried that family legacy forward through her daughter, Donna Jo and her son Dylan.

Her true calling and crowning joy was being a grandma. Not just a grandma, but “Big Grandma” to 5 fantastic grandsons. She encouraged individuality, creativity and whimsy with all of them. She would meet each of them where they were, if it be setting off on adventures, discussing Marvel characters, deep conversations, clumsily playing Forza or on demand drawings of sports logos.

Jerilee’s intelligence, philosophical mind, creativity, and imagination enabled her to flourish in the classroom, on stage and with a paintbrush at a young age. These characteristics would later be used to be a voracious reader, spirited debater (sometimes against herself), storyteller, and curator of creative fun for people of all ages, but especially grandsons, nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, and any kids that would make their way into the group. Her biggest smiles came when she helped people find and express their creative voice.

Left to tell her story is her “Mama”, Donna Arringdale (Marshalltown). Her daughter, Donna Jo Does Gorsuch (Marshalltown), along with her sons, Brice Trusheim, Trase Gorsuch, & Griffen Gorsuch. Her son Dylan (Aubrey) Does (Marshalltown), and their sons Ian & Xavier. Along with bonus daughter Amy Mulstay (Phoenix, AZ).

She is survived by her sister, Jeanette (Dewayne) Arringdale of Jewel, IA, John (Connie) Arringdale of Long Beach, CA, Mari Jo (Todd) Nagel of Harmony, MN, and brother in law Samuel Fuller of Allison, IA. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and family.

Preceded in death, is her hero, her “Daddy”, Jared “Big Jer” Arringdale. Her sister Judith Ann Fuller, and her long-time partner/sister in crime, Julie Kay Miller. Along with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and many friends and family.

The memorial will be held at Restore Church (134 E. Main St – main level of the Tallcorn) in Marshalltown, IA at 2 P.M. on Saturday, December 16th.