Gwendolyn "Gwen" Marie Wells Obituary (1930 - 2024)

Gwen (Mayer) Wells passed away at the Israel Hospice House in Ames, IA, on August 4, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born on August 1, 1930, at home in Wellman, IA. Gwen and Keith Wells were married in 1957 and lived in Fairfield, IA, for many years. She moved to the Green Hills retirement community in Ames, IA, in 2013. Gwen dedicated her life to education, serving as a Home Economics teacher in Toledo and Fairfield, Iowa. She also taught in the Cooperative Educational Opportunity program (school to work), was a substitute teacher, and worked as a dietary consultant in two care centers. Gwen was a partner for her husband, Keith Wells, and his work with Vocational Agriculture and the F.F.A. program at Fairfield High School through the years. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield and later years at the Collegiate Methodist Church in Ames, IA. Her community involvement continued with her participation in Delta Kappa Gamma, Chapter C, P.E.O., United Methodist Women's Organization, Hospital Auxiliary, and the American Cancer Society. Gwen is survived by her son, Jeff Wells and his wife, Marion; daughters, Gretchen Umbaugh and her husband Bill, and Stephanie Salasek and her husband Tim; grandchildren, Sam and Spencer Salasek, Alex (Olivia) and Ward Umbaugh, and Jin Wells; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Freda Mayer; sisters, Evelyn Miholovich and Roselyn Nelson; and her beloved husband, Keith Wells. Services to celebrate Gwen's life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, IA with Pastor Al Coffin officiating. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the church and will last until the time of service. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield, IA immediately following the service. Contributions in her memory can be made to the United Methodist Church, Fairfield, IA, or the Fairfield High School F.F.A. program. Condolences may be sent to daughter, Stephanie Salasek, 921 Van Fleet St., Kelley, IA. 50134. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.