Anita Fay Bales

Anita Fay Bales passed away on January 22, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona after a year-long illness. A memorial service honoring Anita’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo, Iowa. Following the service, refreshments will be provided. A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. A private interment will take place at Hammondsburg Cemetery at a later date. 

Anita was born in Des Moines, Iowa on October 9, 1961, to LeRoy “Buck” and Edna Mae Bales. She graduated with the Class of 1980 from Southeast Warren High School. Following high school, Anita attended Drake University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. She then furthered her academic achievements at Syracuse University, where she received a Master of Business Administration degree.

Once Anita’s remarkable academic pursuits were complete, she began her 40-year career, joining the U.S. Army Audit Agency as an auditor. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning various important roles. Anita’s work took her to various states and even across international borders. She traveled to Illinois, Missouri, Virginia, and Frankfurt, Germany, as part of her auditing assignments. Anita held several certifications including certified government financial management, certified information systems auditor, and certified public accountant. She was a member of the American Society of Military Comptroller and serves on the Professional Advisory Board at Drake University, School of Accounting.

In 2014, Anita’s remarkable achievements and leadership qualities led to her appointment as the Director of the Defense Contract Auditing Agency, a title she held until retirement on January 28, 2022. Anita’s outstanding contributions were celebrated during a heartfelt retirement ceremony.

Left to cherish Anita’s memory are her nieces, Audra Bales and Alisha (Robert) Thornton; sister-in-law, Mindy Bales; great nieces and nephews: Prestin Langebartels, Kaffrey Thornton, Tegan Souer, Easton Thornton, and Brynlee Souer; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many professional colleagues and friends. 

Anita was preceded in death by her parents; brother Thomas Bales; and infant siblings, Timothy, and Annette Bales. 

Memorials in Anita’s name may be directed to the Kiya Koda Humane Society.

The service will be livestreamed and available at pierschbacherfuneralhome.com