Mychala Jean Larkin, 37, of Newton, died at 4:46 p.m. July 16, 2025 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
She was born May 17, 1988 in Oelwein to Donald and Kimetha Downing Larkin.
Moving to Newton at the age of 2, Mychala was a 2006 graduate of Newton High School. She had attended DMACC and was enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program.
Mychala had worked at Baxter Day Care, for EPC in Grinnell and for Gates in Newton. Since then, she has been a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed spending time and taking trips with her family.
Surviving is her mother, Kim Larkin of Newton; grandmother, Jo Anne Downing of Panora, IA; her fiancé James Vest of Newton; their children, Kyren and Addison Vest; a brother, Joe Larkin of Newton; nieces and a nephew, Lexie Faith, Donnie and Iva; and several aunts and uncles.
She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Larkin; grandparents Joseph and Lois Larkin, grandfather, Larry Downing and aunt Melissa Downing.
Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 25th, at Reece Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the services. Cremation will follow the service.
A service to further celebrate her life will be held in Newton at a later date. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Ottumwa next to her father.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
