Eldeen Florence Little

Eldeen "Dena" Chiri Little, 92, of Waterloo, died Saturday, May 25, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 24, 1932, in Williamson, IA, the daughter of Pete Jr. and Elizabeth Martinache Chiri. Dena married Vernon Little on December 30, 1951, in Chariton, Iowa.

After graduating high school, Dena worked for Blue Cross in Des Moines. She loved gardening, reading detective novels, crocheting, and was an avid collector of Barbie dolls. Dena volunteered for 31 years at Jewett and Kingsley schools in Waterloo.

Dena is survived by her children, Doug Little, Steven (Stacey) Little, Debi (Rick) Corwin and Kelli Billington, all of Evansdale; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Sandy Chiri of Knoxville, IA; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Kim Berry, granddaughter Angela Little, brothers Pete, Ronald and Eugene Chiri, and sisters Mary Rose Kresnocky and Nadine Celander.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Locke Garden View Chapel, 3655 Logan Avenue, Waterloo, from 1-2 PM with graveside service to follow at 2:00 PM at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.