Liza (Meleney) Despenas

Des Moines, Iowa Liza (Meleney) Despenas, 41, of Des Moines, died Saturday, March 28, 2009, surrounded by her loving family, at the Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, 119 South Georgia with Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. and continue one hour prior to the church service. Memorials may be directed to the Liza (Meleney) Despenas memorial fund in care of the family.


Liza was born in August 16, 1967 in Mason City, IA, the daughter of Lee and Barb (Tschirki) Meleney. She was baptized and confirmed at the First United Methodist Church in Mason City. Liza graduated from Mason City High School in 1985 and attended NIACC. Liza worked for Midwest Construction for several years. She also ran a day care from her home. She was very fond of children. She was caring and giving to others. Liza was united in marriage to Paul Despenas on April 27, 1991 at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Mason City. To this union two beautiful daughters were born. Alexa Lee is a senior and Alaina Marie who is in the 8th grade, both in Johnston, IA. Liza loved being on the drill team for 4 years. She enjoyed dancing, reading, talking on the phone, exercising, and eating healthy. Liza loved to have fun. Her family and friends were important to her.

She is survived by her parents: Lee and Barb Meleney; Paul Despenas; her two daughters: Alexa Lee and Alaina Marie Despenas; 2 brothers: Tim (Karen) Meleney of San Diego, CA, and Kory (Nicole) Meleney of Mason City; 2 nieces: Kaitlyn and Marah Meleney. She is also survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Leo and Ann Meleney and Ray and Helen Tschirki.