The spirit of Tina Renee Slykhuis (Russell), 63, left her earthly body Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones in the comforts of her home. She was a force of nature, fighting many battles in life with determination and positivity; it was no different when it came to her battle with cancer.
A celebration of life party for Tina will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2:00 til 8:00 p.m. at the Middleswart Lodge in Indianola. Some of Tina’s favorite foods will be served from 4:00 til 6:00 p.m. The family asks that you bring cherished stories, memories and to bring a rock – one that reminds you of Tina or simply speaks to you. It can be big or small, dull or sparkly, flat or round – each one representing the love and memories shared. Gathered together, a lasting tribute and unique collection for Tina’s Memory Garden. Kindly RSVP to Patrick 515.707.9642 or Heather 515.633.7376
Born October 24, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa to Carl Russell and Bonnie Clark (Russell), Tina graduated from Carlisle High School in 1981 and although academics weren’t necessarily her strong suit, she excelled in classes where her creativity and socialization skills took center stage. It was in school that she gained many of the lifelong friendships that she cherished so dearly up until her last day.
If you asked Tina what her greatest gift in life was, she would tell you it was being a mother. She wholeheartedly loved her three daughters and would immediately drop everything if she knew they needed her. The second greatest gift would involve her time as a grandmother to both human and fur grandbabies. The memories shared with her grandchildren brought her so much joy. The same joy that helped get her through some hard times.
Tina had an infectious personality and loved to host and entertain. She operated the Slykhuis Twilight Tearoom for 13 years where she served many guests from near and far via bus tours, Red Hat Societies, Girl Scout Troops, etc. The tearoom was always elegantly decorated, something Tina had a knack for. She was also known for her baking, coined by some as the Best Pie Lady. She could whip up the most delicious pie with the best crust while in her sleep!
When she wasn’t on the go, Tina’s favorite pass time would be unwinding to a good movie or two, maybe even three. Movie marathons while staying at her daughter’s weren’t unheard of. The ones closest to her knew that Wednesday evenings were off limits when Survivor (reality competition tv show) was airing as she was a die-hard fan, only missing a couple episodes over the past 20 years.
Inspired by nature, Tina truly treasured the moments she spent outdoors with loved ones. And even though she never learned how to swim, most of her favorite activities entailed water. She collected unique rocks by kayak with her sister-in-laws. She was elated to experience Montana territory a few times by boat and side by side atvs. Spent an anniversary on Williamson Pond fishing from a canoe with her husband. Fishing and Tina went hand in hand, she was either the only one catching fish or out fishing everyone she was with. There was nothing more humbling to her than cooking a meal over a fire with a chorus of frogs emanating through her ears while admiring a beautiful Iowa sunset.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Patrick Slykhuis; her children, Amanda Williams, Heather (Joe) Landolt and Rachel (Jessie) Farley; her faithful dog, Rip; her grandchildren, Lyle, Alice, Letty and Maeva Farley; her mother, Bonnie Clark (Russell); her siblings, Mike (Donna) Russell, Cindy Waltner, Tim (Dawn) Russell, Brenda (Jeff) King; her eight nieces and three nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Russell and stepfather, Leo Clark.
As long as can be remembered, Tina wished to celebrate her life by having a big party. She loved to have a good time. Listening to music, dancing and watching fireworks brought the best out in her.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations be made in her name to Easterseals Iowa. Tina was an avid Iowa State Fair goer and would make it a point to visit the Pony Express Riders of Iowa every year to make a donation to this non-profit organization that supports individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families to live independent lives. Something she always wanted for her grandson, Lyle.
