For those not able to join you can watch the service at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmulvTz2Iho


Mary Beth Galvin Stratton, 85, passed away peacefully at the Ames Israel Family Hospice House on March 20, 2025, the Spring Equinox, after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Mary was born on June 23, 1939 on her family's Cherokee County farm near Quimby, IA to Benjamin and Ruby (Peterson) Galvin. She loved growing up on the farm with her two sisters, Marjorie and Virginia, along with their big brother James. Mary recalled her family's excitement at getting running water and electricity and her enthusiasm for driving the tractor, developing a lifelong skill. Mary was a serious student who was always interested in the world beyond the horizon, a passion she tried to instill in her students. When she was 16, Mary and a cousin took the train to California, sparking her interest in travel. In 1957, Mary graduated from Quimby Consolidated School, where she met her future husband Joe Stratton, then continued her studies in education at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE.

Mary and Joseph Stratton were married in Quimby in 1960. They moved from Marcus to Audubon, where Joe was a school business manager and Mary taught elementary school. Jeff, Ann and Natalie were born in LeMars. In 1966, the young Stratton family made their permanent home in Ames, where Joe and Mary became an integral part of the community for many years. When teacher licensure requirements changed, Mary returned to Iowa State University for her BA, while juggling the responsibility of caring for three small children and studying when Joe attended evening school board meetings. Joe and Mary played golf at the Oaks and loved to attend Cyclone sporting events. They were enthusiastic community and Collegiate United Methodist volunteers. In later years, they wintered in Arizona, meeting many new friends.

Mary Stratton was an amazing 5th grade teacher for many years at Gilbert Elementary. She saw each of her students as an individual and tried to design curriculum to help each child be successful. She filled her classroom with plants, hamsters and science specimens. She followed up with students and parents long after they left Gilbert. Mary could not walk down an aisle at Fareway without seeing a former student or parent and greeting them warmly. She inspired many students and family members to become educators and she passionately supported public education. Mary retired from Gilbert in 2001 but continued to keep in touch, attending many graduation parties and weddings of former students well after her retirement. When Joe passed away in 2005, Mary went back to work as a teaching associate in Ames. She was devoted to at-risk students and she enjoyed mentoring new teachers. She also tutored ESL students at home, forming warm friendships with families and giving her the opportunity to try new cuisines.

The fates smiled on Mary when she attended a Quimby class reunion in 2010, reconnecting with former classmate Joe Lux who had also lost his spouse to cancer. Thus, Joe and Mary started a new chapter together, wintering in Ft. Myers, FL and summering at Joe's cabin in northern Minnesota. Mary rediscovered that she loved to fish and drive the tractor at the cabin. She relished watching the sun rise and set over Boulder Lake with Joe. Back in Ames, Joe and Mary regularly hosted Cyclone tailgates--the fish-fry tailgate was highly anticipated! Mary and Joe worked together as a team, whether the task was putting up a Cyclone tent, pulling in the dock at Boulder Lake or frying up dozens of bass in a Cyclone parking lot.

Mary was a fabulous mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved hosting big family gatherings and effortlessly prepared vats of delicious home-cooking. Her potato salad and coleslaw are unparalleled and cannot be replicated, even though she gladly shared the recipes. After putting on a feast, Mary would lead the children on a nature hike, then return to prepare the kitchen for the next gathering. Mary had a strong faith in God and was a trusted listener, advisor and support for many friends and family. Her phone was always ringing and she always took the call. Her absence creates a void that will echo around the Stratton table, but her legacy of treating others with warmth and kindness lives on.

Mary is survived by her beloved partner, Joe Lux of Ames; sister Virginia Husman of Quimby; daughter Ann Cornelison (Mike) of Ankeny; daughter Natalie Stratton of Nevada; grandsons Luke Cornelison (Elizabeth); Matt Cornelison (Ashley); Josh Cornelison (Stacia)--all of Chicago; grandson Billy Harrison (Amy) of Ames; granddaughters Nicole Harrison of Kansas City and Greer Stratton (Jacob Stastny) of Ankeny; daughter-in-law, Kayla Stratton; as well as six great- grandchildren (who knew her as "Big Grandma") and many dear nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph Stratton; her brother, Jim Galvin; her sister, Marjorie Krier; and her son Jeffery Stratton.

A visitation will be held at Collegiate United Methodist Church (2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50014) on Friday, March 28, 2025 starting at 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with a funeral service starting at 11:30 a.m. with a lunch and a time of fellowship following.

Mary's family is very appreciative of the excellent care she received at Mary Greeley Hospital's Bliss Cancer Center and also at the Israel Family Hospice House. Memorials may be directed to the Israel Family Hospice House.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com