“MAMA LETA”
Arleta Mae (Firmature) Plummer peacefully started her journey home on October 21, 2024. We were blessed to have her as our mom and have been privileged to have felt her love for all our family. Mama, we love you the mostest of the mostest forever.
A celebration of Life Gathering will be held 11:00a.m-3:00p.m Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Rand Center in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
In the summer of 2025 the family will hold a celebration of Life in Hays, Montana.
On October 21, 2024, Arleta Mae Plummer passed peacefully at home with her family surrounding her.
Arleta was born July 15, 1943, in Fort Belknap, Montana. She was raised by Norman Plummer and Marie (Werk) and Virgil McConnell.
Throughout Arleta’s life, she held various roles including telephone operator, restaurant manager, a teacher and counselor for West Harrison Schools. Arleta’s favorite roles were mom and grandma.
Arleta had six children who were her whole life for so many years that even her children’s friends called her “Mama Leta”. Many of Arleta’s activities centered around what her children did. In the summer when her children were young, she would be found cheering them on at swim team meets. She was a CampFire leader who led so many young children in organized activities, fostering their love of the outdoors. Arleta presented her Native American culture to numerous classrooms throughout her life. Thanks to Arleta, her children know the importance of family and support each other in all their endeavors.
When most of her children were grown, Arleta married Donovan Burress. Together they had many Siberian Huskies that were her “babies”. They lived in Colorado for 19 years and enjoyed their many drives through the mountains. Arleta and Donovan returned to Iowa in 2021 to be close to their family and grandchildren. Arleta loved her grandchildren and created many memories with them.
Preceding Arleta in death are her parents Norman Plummer and Marie McConnell and Virgil McConnell, siblings Shirley Kirkaldie, Barbara Plummer, Virgil A McConnell, Frank McConnell, and Rhonda Snell.
Remaining to cherish Arleta’s memory are spouse, Donovan Burress and her children: Twila (Shannon) Firmature, Starla (Tom) Salter, Rhonda Reep, Rob Firmature, Sabrina (Kevin) Howes, and Shauna (Joe) Cihacek. Her stepchildren: Shawn (Jennifer) Burress, Shane Burress, Troy (Vicki) Burress, Kelli (Bob) Pietramale, Damian (Nikii) Burress, and Dan (Amber) Burress. Her aunt Gert Werk, brother Floyd (Angie) McConnell, sister Trenda DuBois, special nieces/daughters Ione Snell and Jean Lynn (Todd) Pease, 16 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
- In lieu of flowers, please make time to play a card game with your family, and in memory of Arleta, don’t let the kids win.
- A special thank you to Myrtue Hospice who helped our family in the final months. Thank you to our angel, our adopted sister, Katie Klein who was with us at the end.
12 Comments
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Prayers for healing during this time of grief.
My heart goes out to all the family.I have so much respect for your mom. She treated me like one of her own. So many memories I have from swim team, trips, picked up babies from the hospital, darts, Sidewalk Cafe, weddings, wine, and so many more. She will always be watching from above and always in our hearts.
I am so sorry 😞 for the loss of your dear, dear mom. She will always be remembered as the most beautiful, kindest and fun person she was. We loved her so much.
So sorry to hear about your mom. I think we would have been great friends. I love playing cards and I don’t let the kids win, but I will show them how to win. Your mom must have been terrific to raise a great daughter like you.
Such a sad time for your family. She’s always in your hearts, you know. She definitely did a wonderful job of raising a strong family.
Very sorry for your loss sending many prayers for courage and strength.
Prayers and condolences to Arleta’s family. You were truly blessed with a beautiful, kind and loving mother. She will be greatly missed and know that her huge Montana family loved her dearly. She will be forever in our hearts. May the Creator be with you during this difficult time. Sending love, strength and hugs to you all.
My thoughts are with your entire family during your loss. Shauna please let me know what you need from me during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of Arleta’s passing. I enjoyed teaching with Arleta at West Harrison. Her friendly smile and caring ways helped many! My sincere condolences to you.
I am so sorry for your great loss , your mama will be deeply missed by all who knew her, she was such a kind beautiful fun loving soul and I am glad I had the opportunity to know all of you , may god wrap his arms around you all during this difficult time
Hugs to all love Angie
So sorry for your loss. She was a lovely person. I have many fond memories of spending time with your family. Big hugs from Texas!
My deepest sympathy to Arleta’s family. I enjoyed teaching with Arleta at West Harrison. She was a wonderful counselor and friend. Students learned from her how to treat each other with kindness and compassion. She always led with joy and a warm smile on her face.
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