Arline Pagitt

  Arline Pagitt, 75, of Des Moines, IA passed away at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA, on March 19, 2025. Merle Hay Funeral Home is in charge of cremation arrangements.

   Arline—as she preferred to be called-- was born September 24, 1949 in Long Beach, CA to Robert and Lina (Euler) Pagitt.  She grew up in Des Moines, attended St. John’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1967.  She was the second of six daughters born to Lina and Robert Pagitt.  Siblings included, Marie Pagitt, Carol Pagitt Cox, Robin Pagitt Steffen, Debra Pagitt Gipple and Lorraine (Lori) Pagitt. Her career began working in the Insurance industry in Des Moines where she was a valued and conscientious employee. She later worked in Customer Service at Pigeon’s Furniture Store.  Arline was a dedicated daughter, taking care of her ill mother for many years.

   Arline was a woman of creativity; she enjoyed knitting, coloring intricate designs, puzzles of various types and doing needlepoint.  She was a compassionate, opinionated and caring person who was ready to help others with whatever resources she had.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed a good joke. In her later years, as she was homebound, she did volunteer work for Joshua Christian Academy. 

   Arline is survived by her sisters Carol (Alan) Cox of Des Moines, Robin Steffen of the Kansas City, MO area, and Debra (Marty) Gipple of Clive.  Eleven nieces/nephews, numerous great nieces/nephews and one great-great nephew also survive her.  She was preceded in death by her parents, eldest sister (Marie), brother-in-law (Warren Steffen) and youngest sister (Lori). 

     In the words of a family member: “Leeny was an incredible aunt who constantly amazed us with her creativity and generosity.  She always made sure that those around her were comfortable and never failed to make us laugh!” Arline will be greatly missed, as she was greatly loved by those who knew her.