White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Rowley – Deborah J. Kress, 65 years old, of rural Rowley, Iowa, died at her home on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.  She was born on august 29, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Edward Francis and JoAnn (Brubaker) Sturgeon.  She graduated from high school in Cedar Rapids.  On November 23, 1988, she and Russell Laverne Kress were married in Cedar Rapids.  She was formerly a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Mrs. Kress was a baker and her pies and dinner rolls were prized by many.  She was also a skilled calligrapher and ran the karaoke machine at the American Legion Hall in Independence.  Most of all she looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Kress is survived by her husband, Russell, 1 daughter, Melissa (Randy) Foliente of Reno, Nevada, 1 son, Ryan Kress of Rowley, 1 step son, Chet (Mickey) Kress of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 5 grandchildren, her mother, JoAnn Sturgeon of Cedar Rapids, and 1 sister, Angie (Mark) Dvorak of Hiawatha, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her father, 1 son, Christopher Parker, in infancy, and 1 brother, David Sturgeon.

Mrs. Kress’ body was cremated and her remains will be interred in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids at a later date.  A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date when possible.  White Funeral home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to the family.