ALISON LYNETTE WALES

SEPTEMBER 3, 1968 – MAY 19, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend, who left this world far too soon after an eleven-year battle with cancer. Alison was a light in our lives-kind, compassionate, endlessly generous.

To know Alison was to know strength and grace. She had a rare gift of making people feel heard and valued and brought her light into the darkest spaces.

Alison was born to Ron and Lynetta Wales September 3rd, 1968, in Centerville Iowa. Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Lynetta Wales of Centerville, brother, Patrick Wales of Glenwood, Iowa, Ronda Baty (sister), of Tiffin, Iowa (Joe Baty) and their children, Jackson and Lexi Baty, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Ron E. Wales and her aunt, Liane Scott.

Alison graduated from Centerville Iowa High School in 1987, and went on to get her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Chapman University.  She dedicated over 30 years to public service. Beginning with as a volunteer advocate and eventually at the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center where she blazed a trail for three decades. It's estimated that Alison directly impacted the lives of more than 4,000 plus individuals through her direct service work over the years.   She helped shape programs for supporting at-risk boys and their mothers, teen parenting initiatives, developed and facilitated survivor support groups, and served five years as the Lompoc, CA police department in-house advocate.  Alison also served with the League of Women Voters in multiple capacities and on the Commission for Women for Santa Barbara County's Fifth District. She played a critical role in securing funding for "She Raised Her Hand" an initiative focused on addressing the challenges faced by female veterans by providing them with education, support and connection. She was deeply committed to her community through her volunteerism and activism.

Alison was an active member in PEO. a Philanthropic Educational Organization for women whose mission and values she supported.  She also championed the work of AAUW (American Association University Women) which seeks to advance equity through research, education and advocacy.

Her family and friends will be hosting two Celebrations of Life:

*SATURDAY, JULY 19TH AT 2 PM APPANOOSE COUNTY COUNTRY CLUB 1998 COUNTRY CLUB RD CENTERVILLE, IOWA

*SATURDAY, AUGUST 2ND AT 11 AM AT THE ST MARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH FITCH HALL AT 2800 HARRIS GRADE RD LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA.

In remembrance of Alison and in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center NCRCCPC P.O. Box 148 Lompoc, CA 93436 or First United Methodist Church 410 N. Main St. Centerville, IA 52544.

We mourn her loss deeply and are grateful for the time we had with Alison; her spirit lives on in our memory through every story and every heart she touched.  We love you, Alison, and we will carry you with us forever.