Wallis Kaye Price

Wallis Kaye Price (83) of Johnston, Iowa, passed away on May 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born on September 19, 1943, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, a daughter of the late Wallace (Buzz) Reynolds and Ardis Reynolds.

Wallis Kaye grew up and received her education in Swea City, Iowa where she enjoyed all things musical.  After graduating high school, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. After graduating college, she began her teaching career at Lewis Central Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa. During those years, she met her husband Dennis Price, and they were united in marriage on June 5, 1965.

Dennis and Wallis Kaye began their lives together by relocating to Spencer, Iowa where they raised their three sons and remained active in the community for 50 years. They were long time members of the First Congregational Church where Wallis Kaye continued to use her musical and educational talents by directing the channel choir and leading the Christian Education Department. During this time, she was awarded the National Congregational Church Director of the Year for her leadership in Christian education. She was also very active in the Spencer PEO and the Clef Club. Most notably, she was dedicated to being a fantastic wife and mother. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others.

Upon retirement, Wallis Kaye and Dennis spent the next 15 years “wintering” in Panama City Beach, Florida. One of her greatest joys of winters in Florida was when her family and friends would come to visit during Spring Break.

In 2015, Wallis Kaye and Dennis moved to Johnston, Iowa to be closer to family. During this time, they traveled all over the state and country watching their 7 grandchildren compete in their athletic events and musical performances. They also became active members of the First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines.

Wallis Kaye was preceded in death by her father Wallace (Buzz) Reynolds, her mother Ardis Reynolds and her brother Mike Reynolds. Left to carry on her memory is her husband of 60 years Dennis, her three sons Steve (Terrie) of Johnston, Iowa, Dave (Samantha) of Aplington, Iowa, Matt (Jenny) of Indianola, Iowa, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

A gathering with the family will be at 10AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston, Iowa with memorial service beginning at 11AM.