Jill Dempsey

JILL DEMPSEY

Urbandale

Jill Dempsey, 61, of Urbandale, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale. A prayer service will follow the visitation at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale. A luncheon and a time of fellowship will immediately follow services. Committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Oregon Township Cemetery, near Ainsworth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital and sent in care of Johnson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 246, Stuart, IA 50250. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Jill was born Feb. 10, 1960, to Dale and Maurine (Stephens) Roberts in Ainsworth, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm and attended Highland schools, later graduating from Highland High School with the Class of 1978. Following graduation, she attended Iowa State University, where she met the love of her life, Tim. Jill and Tim were married on Sept. 26, 1981. To this union, three children were born: Jennifer, Jessica and Nick. The family made their home in St. Louis, before moving to Urbandale in 1984.

To say Jill loved children would be an understatement. Her life revolved around children, from teaching preschool to owning her own children's store to being a full-time grandma. She never missed a school event or activity for her children growing up. She was always a message away to lend a hand, especially if that involved her grandchildren.

Those who knew Jill also know that she loved her extended family and friends. Whether watching Iowa State basketball games, camping or sharing her favorite lemon drop shots with anyone wanting to join her, she was the life of the party. She also enjoyed reading, napping and her Mountain Dew. Jill put her special touch on every corner of her house, with DIY home decorations.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Tim; children, Jennifer (Josh) Gersten of Tiffin, Jessica (Tyler) Johnston of Adel and Nick Dempsey of Cedar Falls; grandchildren, Ashley and Ani Gersten and Brecken and Brogan Johnston; parents, Dale and Maurine Roberts of Washington; siblings, Tim (Criss) Roberts of Ainsworth, Eric Roberts of Ainsworth and Kate (Tim) Jurgenson of Ankeny; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.