Mary Louise Romans

Mary Louise Romans, affectionately known as Mary, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, at Valley View Village in Des Moines, Iowa, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. She was 86 years old. Mary was born on February 26, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, where her journey of love, compassion, and dedication began. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert R. Romans, whom she married on April 4, 1985, in Des Moines, Iowa. They shared a loving partnership for 30 years until Robert's passing in 2015. A woman of many talents and passions, Mary was known for her love of Miniature Schnauzers. She spent countless joyful hours attending dog shows across the Midwest to showcase her beloved dogs. Her love for nature was evident in the beautiful flower gardens she tended at her home in West Des Moines, and later in Des Moines, where she continued to nurture her flowers in vibrant pots. Mary cherished her family deeply. She is survived by her stepdaughters, Emily Romans and Susan Ballard (Darin), both of Des Moines, Iowa. She was a devoted grandmother to Timothy Ballard (Megan) of Bondurant, Iowa; Andrew Ballard of Des Moines, Iowa; and Dillon Romans (Sabrina) of Wichita, Kansas. Her legacy continues through her great-grandsons, Parker and Gavin Ballard, who brought immense joy to her later years. Mary's family and friends will always remember her for her warmth, kindness, and the steadfast love she offered to those around her. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and interests left a lasting impact on everyone she met. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice of the Midwest and the staff at Valley View Village for their compassionate care and support during Mary's final days. A celebration of Mary's life will be held at a later date, where friends and family will gather to honor her memory and share the stories that reflect her beautiful journey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary's name to the Parkinson's Foundation to support ongoing research and support for those affected by the disease. Mary Louise Romans will be dearly missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her gentle soul rest in peace.