Tiffany Lynn Delzell went to be with the Lord on January 29, 2022, in her home surrounded by her family at the age of 54. She was born October 17, 1967, to Merrill “Mick” and Carolyn Miller of Clarinda. Tiffany graduated from Clarinda High School as valedictorian and went on to attend Iowa State University where she would earn her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She married her husband Dean Delzell, in 1990. They moved to Jefferson, in 1992 where they welcomed their three children: Mikayla Dawn, Caleb Cooley, and Madeline Jo.
Although Tiffany was never motivated by material success, she did work diligently as a veterinarian for many years, even owning her own practice. Tiffany’s desire to help others eventually culminated in a career change. She studied massage therapy, earned her license, and started a business out of her home. She loved the opportunity to help people and cared dearly about every client she treated.
To know Tiffany was to know that her life was one of unparalleled faith. She was a woman of true and genuine worship who lived for and loved God and His Word. Most every morning you could find her, wrapped up with a blanket in her rocking chair or at her desk, spending her quiet time with the Lord. She was a lover of nature, seeing the Lord’s handiwork and glory in every flower, tree, and creature. She would walk for hours enjoying God’s creation and capturing many pictures to share with friends and family. Every conversation Tiffany had would inevitably turn to the truth of scripture and the lessons she had learned from it. She overflowed in patience, self-discipline, and an unyielding trust in the Lord’s plan. God’s Word was her lifeline, and His presence was her joy.
On February 14, 2021, Tiffany was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. After undergoing two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, Tiffany made the choice to spend the last year of her life at home with her family. So much could be said about the faith Tiffany demonstrated in this last year of her life. She ministered to her family, friends, nurses, and even strangers through her joy in this trial. “It’s all good”, “praise the Lord”, and “hallelujah” became her phrases of choice even as her speech began to fail her. The only complaint Tiffany ever had was that she “wished she could praise God more!”
Tiffany is survived by her husband Dean of Johnstons her daughters Mikayla (Joseph) Hoit and Madeline Delzell, and her son Caleb Delzell; as well as her grandchildren, Merida, Aurora, and Simon Hoit, all of Jefferson. She is also survived by her parents Merrill “Mick” and Carolyn Miller, of New Market, and her brother Brad (Halina) Miller of Johnstown, CO.
Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.
