Lea Vanden Boogaard

Lea Ann (Hill) Vanden Boogaard, 67, of Harlan, Iowa, passed away on June 7, 2026. Born on April 30, 1959, Lea lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Lea was born in Denver, Colorado to Ronald Hill and Carol (Falkinburg) Hill, who preceded her in death. They were not only her parents but doubled as her very best friends— sharing a bond of unconditional love and support. Their guidance and example would shape the compassionate woman Lea became.

Lea attended Longmont High School in Colorado and John F. Kennedy High School in Guam before graduating early in 1976. She later continued her education at Windward Community College.

Inspired by her father, Lea proudly followed in his footsteps, building a career with the Federal Aviation Administration, where she dedicated nearly 30-years of service. After retiring from the FAA, she continued to enjoy part-time retail store work at both Hallmark and Tuesday Morning stores. Her warm smile, kind heart, and genuine love for people made a lasting impression on co-workers and customers alike.

She and her husband, Byron Clark, shared a love of adventure and enjoyed traveling together in their travel-trailer, exploring new places across the country, and making memories along the way. At home in their treasured backyard, Lea found peace in the simple beauty of nature, spending countless hours watching their adopted fox family frolic and her hummingbirds and orioles visit their feeders.

Lea found joy in creating beautiful things and sharing them with others. She was an accomplished crafter who loved sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, and needlework, often making heartfelt gifts, clothing, and stuffies for those she loved. She was also an exceptional cook, and her kitchen was the heart of every family gathering.

More than anything else, Lea loved her family. Being surrounded by them was her greatest joy and she considered it her life’s greatest blessing. She had always wanted, and was ultimately blessed with, two sons: Adam and Matt. From their earliest days, Lea was their safe space— guiding them, encouraging them, and believing in them long before they believed in themselves. She guided through patience— teaching the values that shaped who they have become: kind, hard-working, humble, and family-focused. Even as they built lives and families of their own, Lea was a constant presence— never missing an opportunity to support her grandchildren, proudly cheering from the stands at Weston’s baseball and football games, and Arya’s softball and gymnastics events. Even when miles separated them, she remained close through near-daily FaceTime calls with Jackson and Isabel, delighting in hearing about their days, sharing stories, and watching them eat, grow, sing, and dance. Whether she was preparing a favorite family meal, creating something special by hand, traveling with Byron, or spending time with her sons and grandchildren, Lea was happiest when she was with the people she loved most.

She will be fondly remembered for her generous heart, gentle spirit, quiet strength, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. She expressed her love through home-cooked meals, handmade gifts, encouraging words, warm extended hugs, and simply showing up for the people who mattered most.

Lea is lovingly survived by her husband, Byron Clark; her sons, Adam Vanden Boogaard (wife Karin Bostanci) and Matt Vanden Boogaard; her cherished grandchildren, Weston, Arya, Jackson, and Isabel Vanden Boogaard; her brother, Scott Hill; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Lea is at peace. Her legacy of kindness, love, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A celebration of Lea’s life is expected to be held at a later date. In honoring Lea’s memory, the family encourages everyone to spend time with those they love, cheer a little louder for their children and grandchildren, lend a helping hand to someone in need, or simply pause to enjoy the beauty of nature and life— all small moments that brought Lea so much joy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation be made to Hero’s Attic via the Shelby County Community Outreach (https://www.scco-inc.com/donate-contact/)

Online condolences and fond memories are encouraged and can be shared to: RememberingLeaAnn@gmail.com