Brenda Lou (Walkup) Poppa
Brenda Lou (Walkup) Poppa was born on May 7, 1951, in Mount Ayr, Iowa to Mary Lou (Matheny) and Robert Walkup. The family resided in Blockton, IA where Brenda grew up alongside her two siblings, Diana and Bobby. Brenda attended Blockton and Bedford Community Schools graduating in 1969 and later graduated from the nursing program at Iowa Western Community College with her LPN. Brenda had many jobs throughout her life, she loved to meet different people and had so much love to share.
Brenda was a devoted Christian and always took to God in hard times. She spent almost every Sunday at the church and loved to sing hymns. She had a beautiful voice and would often do chores while singing a few. Brenda loved to travel, even if it was just a short drive up to the lake. She also loved looking at the wildlife, with deer being her favorite.
In her past time, you could find her cooking her famous recipes or on the phone catching up with an old friend. She was well known in the family for her famous Elizabeth Cookies and loved to bake. At church potlucks she always made sure to keep 2-3 dishes handy.
In August of 2024 Brenda was put in hospice at Good Samaritan Society in Indianola, IA and passed November 16th, 2024. She will be remembered for her kindness, infectious laugh, her vibrant spirit, and the love she shared with everyone around her.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, husband Todd, sister Diana Walkup Son and nephew Alan England.
Brenda Lou (Walkup) Poppa is survived by her two daughters Susan (Sam) Ware and Gracie (Logan) Lawson; father-in-law and mother-in-law Larry and Heidi Poppa; brother Bobby (Joyce Jackson) Walkup; grandsons Kane (Kerry) Ellenwood, Shane (Ali) Ware; granddaughter Kaci Ellenwood (fiancé Taylor Jones); great grandsons Austin Ware, Koen Ellenwood; great granddaughters Reagan Ware, baby girl Ellenwood arriving soon; nephews Eddie (Joni) Walston, Shaun Walkup, Nick Poppa, Nathan Poppa, and Ryan Poppa, nieces Payton Poppa, Mindy (Niall) Bothwell, Tory (Chris) Parker; great nieces Maci (Dan) Simmons, Rogan Parker; great nephews Yovanni Poppa, Jadon Ballard, Thane Walston, Ryer Parker; great great nieces (twins) Harlow and Novah Simmons; brother-n-law Tim (Michelle) Poppa, brother-n-law Troy Poppa, sister-in-law Tiffany (Gary) Poppa and many other relatives and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the care and compassion that Indianola Good Samaritan & Suncrest Hospice provided.
Visitation will be held at the Blockton Christian Church on Friday, November 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with services beginning at 11:30 a.m. Private burial will occur at a later date in Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials are to the family. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.