Alma M. Varnum Noel, age 92, passed away in Henderson, Nevada, on November 22, 2025 having relocated from Dubuque, Iowa, to live with her daughter Karen.

Born in Zearing, Iowa, on April 30, 1933, to Lumilla and John Varnum. In April 1962, she met Richard Noel on a blind date, and just six months later, they were married. Together, they raised two daughters in Dubuque, where Alma was a devoted stay-at-home mother and later worked a financial planner. She volunteered at St. Patrick’s School and Church and was an Avon representative for more than 30 years.

She loved Scrabble and her trips to the casino, often times very lucky at the slots. An avid fan of the Hawkeyes, she enjoyed cheering for the football and basketball teams. In recent years, she loved our “girls” summer vacations to rental homes with a private pool and a nearby casino. Alma lived independently until the summer of 2024 and could not have done so without the incredible support of her neighbors Terry and Linda Steuer, her brother-in-law John Noel, sister-in-law Lois Noel, and her dear friends Jane Pedan and Janice McLaughlin.

Alma is survived by her daughters, Kris (Jon) Tibbetts of Mason, OH and three granddaughters, Noelle, Kelly and Ellen all in Ohio, and Karen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her five siblings Martha Garfield, Fred Varnum, Kate White, John Varnum, and Veronica Guthrie.

A woman of deep faith, Alma prayed the rosary daily. Many turned to her for comfort, asking her to pray on their behalf during times of need.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family who wish to honor Alma’s memory may make a donation to The Church of the Nativity.

A funeral Mass will be held at The Church of the Nativity in Dubuque on April 25, 2026 at 10:30 am.