Marla Cay Piper, 70, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on December 28, 2025, at MorningStar Assisted Living in West Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on July 10, 1955, in Davis County, Iowa to Larry Neil and Mary Lee Downing Hershey. She graduated from Davis County High School in 1973 and later that year married Chris Piper on October 27. She attended Indian Hills Community College where she graduated from the nursing program in 1975. The couple lived in Davis County and raised three children: Holly, Sadie, and Luke.
Marla enjoyed raising her family on the farm. She tended a large vegetable garden and perennial flower beds, taking great pride in the beauty and abundance they provided. She spent her days canning vegetables from her garden, baking, cooking, quilting, and sewing. There were always fresh chocolate chip cookies and warm focaccia bread in her kitchen, ready to share.
Marla had a deep love for animals and nature. Over the years, she raised sheep and Australian Shepherd puppies, and she spent countless nights in the barn helping deliver baby lambs and pigs—never shying away from hard work or long hours. She worked as a nurse in Bloomfield and Ottumwa, a role that reflected her deeply caring nature. Marla was known for her strong work ethic, compassion, and her constant willingness to offer kindness to everyone she met. Family meant everything to Marla. She cherished time spent with loved ones and especially delighted in spoiling her grandchildren.
Marla was a member of the Pulaski Mennonite Church and faithfully lived out her beliefs.
She is survived by her three children, Holly Piper of Des Moines, Sadie (Michael) Lee of West Des Moines, Luke (Regan) Piper of Bloomfield; twelve grandchildren, Adeline, Isabel, John, and Elliot Logan, Zoey, Mary, Olivia, and Delaney Lee, Dani, Ruby, Oriole, and Harv Piper; brother, Tracy (Stephanie) Hershey of Johnston; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Kevin Hershey.
Marla and her family are grateful to the dedicated staff at MorningStar, St. Croix Hospice and Tabby for the wonderful care, love and support provided.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Dave Schooley officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday with the family present to greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Pulaski Mennonite Church.
