Memorial

Amanda Renea Pence, 43, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on August 11, 2026, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy surrounded by her loving family. A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Veritas Church in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is assisting the family. A livestream of Amanda Pence’s funeral service may be accessed on the Veritas Church’s website, starting at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 15, 2026. 

Amanda was born on May 14, 1983, in Galveston, Texas, to parents Tanya and Patrick. She graduated from Slidell High School in Slidell, LA in 2001 and received her esthetician training from the Aveda Institute. While working in Houston, TX, she met the love of her life, Brian Pence. The two married on December 16, 2007, and cherished 18 years of marriage. Brian and Amanda lived a beautiful life caring for one another and their children. Amanda expressed love through a home-cooked meal served in their fun and welcoming home. She and Brian never hesitated to open their doors to family and friends. 

For over 12 years, Amanda operated her own esthetician business, Far Above Rubies Spa. The name for her business was inspired by Proverbs 31, which asks “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Her passion was to bring comfort to her clients and let them know that they were beautiful and worth far more than they could ever see in a mirror. 

Amanda, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, knew two things best: how to love with her whole heart, and how to live for the glory of God. If you had a chance to speak with Amanda, you were struck by her beauty and lovely smile, but you also knew that you were seen and deeply cared for in her presence. She welcomed the opportunity to share her faith and tried to channel God’s love to everyone she met. 

She is survived by her mother, Tanya (Mike) Barry; husband, Brian Pence; daughter, McKenzie (Ratheos) Neupauer; son, Riley Pence; mother & father-in-law, Margie (Vogl) and Bob Pence; siblings, Leisa Hans (Rod), Michael Kelly (Jacque), Ohlyvia Knab, Lacy Santana (Ramon), Cassidy Mason (Ben); sister-in-law, Leslie DeGroote (Steve Schipper); grandmother, Gwendolyn Cloud; along with many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her cousin, Lindsay Sullivan and her grandfather, Charles Strange.

Brian, McKenzie, and Riley would like to thank their many friends who supported them throughout Amanda’s four-year battle with cancer. The prayers, meals, fundraisers and words of encouragement provided strength in their times of struggle. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be directed to a fund established for the family at https://gofund.me/8af0f5c6b