Farm owner. Born in Delaware County and raised in Dubuque County. Resides in Cascade. Attended Northeast Iowa and Kirkwood Community Colleges. Served as state officer for the Iowa Cattlewomen's Association. Served on Iowa Cattlemen's State Board as Iowa Cattlewomen's state president. Named to the Jones County Cattlemen's "Hall of Fame:' Member of Farm Bureau and past president of Local 893 Iowa United Professionals. Past treasurer for Local 528 American Legion Auxiliary and served on local election board. Past 4- Hand Girl Scout Leader. Member of the St. Matthias Catholic Church. Husband John (deceased); three sons, three daughters, and seven grandchildren. Serving first term in Senate.