Leola (Lee) Jane Fain, 84 passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Nevada, Iowa on November 8, 2024.

Lee was born on March 3, 1940, in Buffalo Center, Iowa. She was the daughter of Leo and Evelyn Johnson. Lee graduated from Mallard High School in 1958 and went on to study elementary education at Iowa State Teacher's College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa.

Lee and her husband Willie were high school sweethearts. They both attended college at UNI. In 1961 they were married and have remained so for over 63 years. Lee and Willie began their teaching careers in Coon Rapids, Iowa and where they met many lifelong friends. The Fain's moved to Nevada, Iowa in 1974 and Lee continued in education for several years as a substitute teacher while raising her family.

Lee is survived by her husband Willie in Nevada; their son Joel Fain of Iowa City; their daughter Julie (Mark) Brown of Iowa City and children Conner, Kennedy and Kieler; their daughter Jennifer (Carrie) Fain of Ankeny and children Luke and Ryan.

Lee was proceeded in death by her parents and her sister, Peggy Johnson Sell.

Family was the number one source of joy for Lee. She spent many years supporting Willie as he coached multiple sports, and she enjoyed following her children and grandchildren in all the many activities and sporting events they participated in over the years.

Lee loved reading books, watching Iowa Women's Basketball and educational TV. She had a passion for all things in nature, including flowers and gardening and she loved animals. She especially loved her canine companion, Aspen, who followed her everywhere, including into bed nightly.

Lee was fiercely loyal and devoted friend, wife, mother and grandmother. She spent hours reading about history and learning about the world and she passed down that passion for learning and the importance of education to her family. Later in life, Lee was able to visit many of the places she read and taught her kids about. She especially loved her trips with family throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. Our family is forever grateful to her for sharing the gift of curiosity about learning and seeing the world. We will miss our exquisitely dressed, small but feisty warrior of a mother who both nurtured us and expected that we become the best version of ourselves.

The family would especially like to thank the Home Instead Team, Suncrest Home Health and Hospice, neighbors Ray and Becky Jones and her dear friend, Farris Dearborn who has always been there for her.

A visitation will be held at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 11:00 – 1:00; services to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to the Nevada Public Library.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com