Martha "Marti" Anne McGuiness

Martha Anne “Marti” McGuiness, 80, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, St. Augustin’s Catholic Church in Des Moines. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Marti will be interred in Glendale Cemetery following a luncheon at the church.

Marti was born June 25, 1946, to Cyrus and Helen McGuiness. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy and went on to attend Drake University, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She spent her entire career teaching kindergarten at Findley School, a career that lasted 38 years. She loved working with children and had an influence on the lives of countless students over the years.

Marti loved her family dearly. She also enjoyed shopping and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially dogs, cats, and horses. She was happiest spending time with the people and animals she loved. She also loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and decorating her home for the current season was something she enjoyed every year.

She is survived by her brother, Mike “Mickie” McGuiness of Hayward, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Shirley McGuiness of Bettendorf, Iowa; and ten nieces and one nephew, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Marti was preceded in death by her parents, Cyrus and Helen McGuiness; brothers John and Don McGuiness; sisters Nancy and Patricia; nieces Sue Wall and Linda Hansen; nephews John and Mark McGuiness; great-nephews Bobby Abrams and John O’Neal; and a sister in-law, Patricia McGuiness.

Marti will be remembered for her love of family, her years spent teaching and caring for children, and her love of animals. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marti’s names may be directed to St. Augustin’s Catholic Church in Des Moines or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the staff at Bickford of West Des Moines and Kavanaugh House for their exceptional care.

Iles Dunn’s Chapel is managing arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at Ilescares.com.