Calley Cortez-Cox, 45, of Des Moines, Iowa, died Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born October 10, 1980, in Simi Valley, California, she was the daughter of Walter and Jodi McBride Cortez.
She was a graduate of West Des Moines Valley High School.
She married Bradley Cox on May 15, 2025, in Keokuk, Iowa.
Calley was a waitress for Perkins for 27 years. She enjoyed all trivia, reading (especially Harry Potter and Outlander novels), musicals; with her favorites being Wicked and Hamilton and going to the movies; with favorites such as Clue, the Hunger Games series and Divergent, but mainly for the buttered popcorn.
She was especially fond of babies and kids (specifically the fat ones), drinking coffee and was a HUGE foodie! She loved trying new places to eat and sampling new foods.
She is survived by her husband Brad Cox; children Brantley Cox, Caitlyn Cox, Nailah Cortez and Roekara Cortez; granddaughter Bretton Cox; her father Walter Cortez; brothers Carlos Cortez, Chris Barnes and Michael (Lynn) Cortez; sisters Carrie (Shahryar) Rehman and Stephanie (Dan) Siers.
She was preceded in death by her mother Jodi McBride-Cortez, brother Walter Cortez Jr. and sister Christina Cortez.
According to her wishes cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
A celebration of life will be held beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Amazing Grace Church, 1903 53rd St., Des Moines, Iowa. With food and fellowship to follow.