Elma Lorraine Rabe October 6, 1950 - February 10, 2026 Elma Lorraine Rabe, 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at Taylor House Hospice. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering love touched many lives. Elma was born on October 6, 1950, in Des Moines to William and Molly Nicol. She grew up in her childhood home at 771 NW Aurora Ave., where many cherished family memories were made. In 1970, Elma married her high school sweetheart, Kelly (Calvin) Rabe. Together, they celebrated 55 years of marriage, through which they built a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love, devotion, and the value of family. In 1973, the two welcomed their daughter Jennifer, and then their son Todd in 1974. Elma was a devoted mom who worked mother's hours at various part-time jobs so she could focus on raising her children. Elma had a special place in her heart for children, and her love for them was evident in her professional life and in her personal relationships. She enjoyed listening to oldies music, crocheting, gardening, sewing, crafting, shopping, movies, and spending time with her family. She took great pride in her family history and loved sharing stories about her parents, her dad's service in the Navy during World War II, and growing up in Highland Park. She was a proud alumna of Saydel High School, Class of 1969. In the mid-1980s, Elma made the decision to return to school and became a phlebotomist, a career she was deeply passionate about. For over 30 years, she worked at Blank Children's Clinic before retiring in 2018. She served as both a phlebotomist and healthcare technician in various departments, including General Pediatrics, Pulmonary and GI. She often greeted others with her warm, friendly smile. Elma especially cherished the relationships she built with many of her colleagues and her patients, offering them care and comfort with her gentle spirit. Elma was preceded in death by her parents, William Nicol Sr. and Molly Lapcheske Nicol. She is survived by her husband, Calvin "Kelly" Rabe; her children, Jennifer Larsen (Burt), and Todd Rabe (Tori); her grandchildren, Kylie Schneible (Casey), Timothy Rabe, and Jackson Larsen; and her three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Ellis, and Scarlett. Elma is also survived by her siblings, William Nicol Jr., Kathy Essex (John), Bobby Nicol (Amy), and Becky Nicol, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom she dearly loved. The visitation will be Thursday, February 12, from 5-7 P.M., and the funeral will be Friday, February 13, at 2:00 PM at Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care located at 3500 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313. A burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. The family will welcome guests at a Celebration of Life following the services at Hilltop Restaurant, 2820 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help honor her final wishes.