Leola Kay (Dietz) Harris – Hopkinton

Leola Kay (Dietz) Harris entered eternal life on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Her spirit is carried on by her three children, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends.

Kay arrived on December 6, 1938, greeted by her parents, John Fred and Helen Amilda (Mau) Dietz, and her sister, Jacqueline. Raised in rural Maquoketa, Kay filled her days with 4-H activities, helping on the farm, and happily tagging along with her big sister—while also staying active in high school basketball and cheerleading. After graduating from Elwood High School in 1956, she attended Capri College—then known as Paris Beauty Academy—in Cedar Rapids, where she was introduced to Richard Harris. They began their life together on May 25, 1957 in Elwood, Iowa. The newlyweds briefly lived in Chicago while Richard attended Coyne Electrical School. Upon Richard’s graduation, they lived in Grand Mound and Elwood, Iowa, where they welcomed their first two children, Mark and Mary. In 1961, they settled into the Hopkinton community, where they built a life and lovingly made their home ever after. Kay worked at Dircks Hardware Store, and in 1966, she and Richard took a bold step together, co-founding Harris Electrical Service. A year later came the joyful arrival of David, and their family was complete.

Kay found her greatest joy in knowing and loving her children. She was closely involved in everything they did, extending that same care to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Grandma Kay” was renowned for wearing a camera around her neck, planting kisses on your cheek, and teasing Iowa Hawkeye fans. Outside of family, she delighted in simple pleasures—fishing, painting ceramics, and pulling the perfect solution from her neatly organized odds and ends.

Beneath her affable exterior was a woman who delighted in people—celebrating everyone she met, championing access to health care in rural communities, investing deeply in local youth, and offering hospitality to family and strangers alike. Across the Hopkinton and Maquoketa Valley (MV) communities, many were uplifted by Kay’s service and generosity during her 87 years. Among them: Hopkinton Community Church (formerly Hopkinton United Methodist Church), Camp Fire (30+ years), MV Community School District Board of Directors (22 years), Not So Tiny House Mission Store (formerly Tiny House), Regional Medical Center Governing Board of Trustees (formerly Delaware County Memorial Hospital), Hopkinton Food Pantry, Operation Christmas, Hopkinton’s Organization for a Positive Environment (HOPE), MV Dollars for Scholars, Kensington Club, Cub Scouts, Tree City USA (Arbor Day Foundation), Hopkinton’s Senior Meal Service, Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Care Review Committee, Delaware County Historical Society, International Thespian Society, MV Athletic Booster Club Annual Craft and Vendor Show, was a dedicated precinct election official (poll worker), and unofficial videographer for MV Fine and Performing Arts events.

Her dedication and service did not go unnoticed. She received the Luther Halsey Gulick Award, Camp Fire’s highest honor for volunteers and leaders, was nominated for the Delaware County Meritorious Service Award in 1994, and in 1997 was recognized as one of KCRG’s 9 Who Care, celebrating exceptional volunteers across Eastern Iowa. Yet for all the awards and accolades, it was the simplest titles that meant the most—those she held closest to her heart: “Mom,” “Grandma Kay,” “Best Friend.”

Left to cherish her memory are her children Mark (wife Kathy, children Jacob, Beth, and Amanda); Mary (husband Karl Wendt, children Abbie, Sheena, Aaron, and Colin); and David (Roberta, stepson Gage); 11 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Ronald, and many nieces and nephews. Kay is reunited with her husband, Richard; her parents and parents-in-law; her sister, Jacqueline (husband Kenneth Fischer), and brother-in-law, Robert (wife Sharon).

Friends may visit with Kay’s family at Hopkinton Community Church on Saturday, January 17 from 10 a.m. until Noon, with a memorial service at 12:30 p.m. Christian burial will be celebrated at Hopkinton Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Lunch to follow at the church. Dress comfortably in Maquoketa Valley gear (or Cyclones, if you have it)! In Kay’s memory, donations may be made to Hopkinton Community Church, Hopkinton Ambulance Service, or Hopkinton Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences may be shared at goettschonline.com.