Lela McGinnis

Lela McGinnis, 95, of Grinnell died at Brooklyn Community Estates on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Lela’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Lela June McGinnis was born on May 28, 1931, in Newton, Iowa to Roy David Van Meter and Bess (Craven) Van Meter. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1949.

On February 11, 1950, Lela was united in marriage to Thomas Johnson. Lela moved to England with their daughter, Sherry while Tom was serving in the military. Their time together was cut short when Tom passed away on February 11, 1956. Later that year, on November 17, 1956, Lela was united in marriage to Ailey “Jack” McGinnis. They made their home in Grinnell, where Lela worked as a housekeeper at the Best Western for 17 years.

Lela enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including dancing, reading, embroidery, and trips to Meskwaki Casino. Above all, her family was most important to her. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and extended family and especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities and being a part of the special moments in their lives.

Lela lived a long life marked by hard work, perseverance, and a deep devotion to her family. Through the joys and hardships she experienced over the years, she remained strong and carried on with determination. She will be remembered for the life she built, the family she loved so dearly, and the many memories she leaves behind.

Lela is survived by her children, Sherry (Ed) Roach of Rock Creek Lake, Susan (Pete) Goodrich of Malcom, Debra Johnson of Grinnell, and William “Bill” (Robin) McGinnis of Grinnell; daughter-in-law, Debbie Johnson of Grinnell; sister-in-law, Patricia Johnson of Grinnell; her grandchildren, Doug (Missy) Cupples, Jason (Danette) Cupples, Jeremy (Andrea) Goodrich, Lisa (Ryan) Dickinson, Heather Goodrich, Daniel Johnson, Cole (Nikki) Johnson, JaDee (Jerome) Knight, Cody Johnson, Carrie Johnson, and Kendall McGinnis; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Thomas Johnson; husband, Jack McGinnis; daughter, Hope McGinnis in infancy; her son, Paul Johnson; and her sister, Mary Herbrandt.