June 25, 1946 - October 4, 2026
Born in Des Moines, Iowa
Resided in West Des Moines, IA
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.
What an amazing legacy she left at Findley and for all who knew her. ❤️
Marti’s themed sweaters were iconic!
She was a wonderful kindergarten teacher.
Aunt Marti was one-of-a-kind. She was such a giving aunt to me and to all of her neices and nephews. I am so grateful to have had so many wonderful times with her and to share many of those with our family.
She had a way of making even the simplest things fun. Because of Aunt Marti I got to spend time:riding horses, seeing puppies being born, going to dog/cat/horse shows, seeing lots of movies, eating lots of good food and discovering the unique experience of sipping Pepsi from a Star Wars-themed Dixie cup. There are too many memories to list and I am grateful for each one.
I send my love to the whole family and join with you all in celebrating Marti’s life. May she rest in peace and joy forever.
As a grade and high school classmate of Martha, I’m not surprised to read of her life-long devotion to the noble passion of educating children. About her love of animals, our 8th grade yearbook “class prophecy”‘ predicted of Martha: “Noted veterinarian; her pets are starred in many of the current movies” !!! Rest in joy, dear Martha.
Aunt Marti was the best! She was young at heart and visiting her was always a great time. Whether it was going out to eat, seeing a movie or going to the barn where she kept her horse! I love animals and with Marti there were always animals. I particularly remember Chrissy the Cocker Spaniel who ate everything she could find. Later there were the
Shih tzu puppies. One came home with my sister. That how Chaz became part of my family growing up! Next were the Persian cats So beautiful and fuzzy! Her last dog was Katie and she loved her like crazy! She will be greatly missed but we will always have the wonderful memories!
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