Aurelia J. “Rae” Ewers, age 81, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque.  To celebrate Aurelia’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue.  Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday at Holy Ghost Church with Rev. Jeffrey Frieden officiating.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Aurelia’s family.

Aurelia was born on January 1, 1944, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Leo and Doris (Howell) Neyens.

Rae was raised in Keokuk where she graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School.  She went on to attend St. Mary’s College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and then studied fashion design in Chicago.  After school, she returned to Iowa and settled in Iowa City.  Rae met the love of her life, Richard Ewers, when the two were in kindergarten.  They began going steady when they were just 16, and married on August 27, 1966, at St. Mary’s Church in Keokuk.  She was employed with Hills and Dales for 25 years until her retirement.  Rae loved her work there and served as guardian for some of the residents.  Rae’s faith was very important to her.  She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church since 1973.  She was a member of the Rosary Society, helped with the hot lunch program, and for 20 years, Rae and Richard worked Bingo at the church.  She was an extremely talented seamstress, made beautiful cross stitch and needle craft pieces, and loved decorating her home.  Her family meant the world to her, and she loved spoiling the grandkids.  Rae was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma and sister who will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Aurelia’s memory include

her husband,
Richard Ewers Sr., Dubuque, IA;

her children,
Jeannette (Michael) Holzinger, Marion, IA
and Richard “Rick” (Barbara) Ewers Jr., Belleville, IL;

3 grandchildren,
Ryan (Hannah) Ewers, Rylie Ewers and Raegan Ewers;

2 great-grandchildren,
Jameson and Oliver;

her siblings,
Rita (Tim) Hickey, Montrose, IA
and Ruth (Alfred) Lorenson, Monroe City, MO;

and a sister-in-law,
Susan Neyens, Hawaii.

Aurelia was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Leo “Lanny” Neyens.

Rae’s family would like to thank the entire staff of MercyOne Dubuque for the compassionate care they provided for Rae.

Memorials in Rae’s name may be given to the Dubuque Humane Society or to your local animal shelter.  Cards in Rae’s memory may also be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Aurelia “Rae” Ewers Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com