Jody Rae Fox, a vibrant soul whose life was a testament to love, creativity, and compassion, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, at the Israel Hospice House in Ames, Iowa due to complications from colorectal cancer. Born on December 2, 1970, in Forest City, Iowa, Jody was the cherished daughter of Sandra (Price) and the late Thomas Fox. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of dedication to her family, friends, and community in Boone, Iowa, where she was a beloved resident.
Jody’s journey began in Forest City, where she graduated from Forest City High School in 1989. Her passion for the arts led her to Iowa State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts. This academic achievement was just the beginning of a life filled with creative expression and professional dedication. Jody’s career was marked by her compassionate work at Mainstream Living in Ames, where she formed lasting bonds with those she served, touching countless lives with her kindness and empathy.
In 1997, Jody embarked on a new chapter at the Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology at Iowa State University. Her contributions there were significant, and she remained a valued member of the team until her retirement in 2024 due to illness. Her colleagues remember her not only for her professional acumen but also for her unwavering kindness and her ability to bring out the best in everyone around her.
In 2003, Jody’s life was enriched when she met her life partner, Emmett Ady. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, welcoming their son, Albert, in 2005. Jody was a devoted mother, fiercely protective and immensely proud of Albert. She celebrated every milestone of his life with joy and gratitude, instilling in him the values of kindness, empathy, and resilience.
Jody’s family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her beloved son, Albert Ady; her mother, Sandra, and step-father, Bill Price; her brothers, Timothy Fox and Terry Fox, along with her sister-in-law Melissa; her sister, Jamie, and brother-in-law Rhett Clayton. Her nephews, Sidney and Samuel Fox, and Jack Clayton, along with her nieces, Sadie Fox and Ruby Clayton, were a constant source of joy and pride. Jody’s extended family and friends were equally cherished, each holding a special place in her heart.
Her home was a sanctuary filled with love and laughter, where her beloved cat, George, and dog, Rocket, were constant sources of comfort and amusement. Jody’s love for animals was well-known, especially for her squirrels, and she was a fierce advocate for their well-being, often standing up for the underdog in every sense of the word.
Jody’s life was a celebration of creativity and intellect. She was known for her strict adherence to correct grammar usage, and would often lose patience with her sister who insisted on confusing Lasik and Lasix, mispronounce words, and misuse commas, just to get Jody fired up. Her insane cribbage skills were legendary among her friends and family, often leading to spirited games filled with laughter and friendly competition. She was a proud liberal, supporting the LGBTQ community, immigrant rights, and promoted love and compassion for her fellow humans that is sadly not so prevalent in our country today.
A celebration of Jody’s life will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Schott Funeral Home in Forest City, Iowa. This gathering will be a joyful remembrance of a life well-lived, filled with stories of Jody’s unwavering kindness, empathy, creativity, and commitment to making the world a better place for all.
Jody Rae Fox leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her life was a beautiful journey, marked by her dedication to her family, her community, and her unwavering belief in the power of kindness. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.
Jody was preceded in death by her partner Emmett Ady and her father Thomas Fox.
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