Mary E. Young of Ames and Story City died Sunday, June 7, at Israel Family Hospice House. A gathering of friends and family will be 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care at 414 Lincoln Way. A private family graveside service will be held at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Mary was born July 26, 1913 in Albia, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas Moffatt and Elizabeth Smith Moffatt. The family then moved to Hinckley, Minnesota, to homestead land. She graduated from Hinckley High School and then continued her education for two years of Normal Training. After teaching three years in Hinckley, she married Charles T. Young in 1935. The couple lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa Falls, and Colo before moving to Ames in the 1940's.
Mary worked for Rushing's Super Valu in Ames beginning in the late 40's until transferring to Louisville, Kentucky in 1961, where she served as the company's Office Manager. She returned to Ames in 1989.
Mary was known for the seasonal decorations she placed in her yard on Grand Avenue, and was known throughout the area as the "Lady on Grand" for her unique folk art.
She is survived by two daughters: Roberta (David) Madden of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Sherry Bradley of Ames; one son, Lon (Judy) Young of Rockwood, Tennessee; seven grandchildren: Tracy Pippins, Blake Madden, Audrey Lair, David Bradley, Richard Holst, Jessica Young, and Benjamin Young; seven great grandchildren: Meg Gillette, Laurel Black, Andrew Bradley, Kuniko Madden, Caitlin Bradley, Jillian Holst, and Emmett Haruch; and one sister, Isabel Clark of Cambridge, Minnesota.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter Judy Kegley, one brother, James, and two half-sisters, Christine and Ruth.
To send condolences to the family and sign the online guestbook go to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
To Robbie, and Jerry Madden, and Blake Madden please accept our condolences for Ms.Mary's passing and our pleasure that we were introduced personally. Kuniko and I think Ms. Mary did a fine task in her job.
Although I had never met Mary, I always enjoyed the flowers and displays on Grand. We miss them and I'm sure she was a lovely lady.
You made the world more beautiful, grandma. I love you and will miss you always.
Thinking of my forever friend Sherry and the loss of her mother. I was blessed on numerous occasions to see Mary's "yard art" while visiting family in Ames. I can only imagine what she's decorating in Heaven!
You touched my life in a very special way, Grandma Mary. You will be missed -but always be in my thoughts and in my heart. I love you.
Love you Mary you will be missed!
Lon & Judy, Ben & Jessica Our entire family's hearts go out to you in this sad time for your family. We were so sorry to hear the sad news. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
We will miss her! Mary was a client at Professional Cosmetology Institute for many years. She brought us smiles! She brought us many blessings! Students and staff recall she even brought them treats. Her yard displays were legend and very much enjoyed. She will be missed. Thanks for allowing us to share our memories of her at this site. You have our deepest sympathy at your loss.
I have fond memories of Mary from my younger years in the Lincoln School neighborhood. I knew her from my friendship with her son Charles(Lonnie)Young. He and I went to kindergarten together and I shared many times with him at his home in the 500 block of Lincoln Way (across the street from what is now Granden's Center). We played very rough tackle football and other things there. I always admired Lon's mother for being such a gracious mother and a very kind person in her home or at Rushing's. I have not seen Lon since 1961 but I always knew he would be very sucessfull from the way he had been raised.
My deepest sympathies Lon and all of the family.
Mom, may you soar with the eagles and dance with the angels.
I'll miss you Grammy.
Dear Mary's family,
I worked at Cedar Place until recently, & I really loved Mary. She was so sweet & she treated everyone as her special friend. I'm originally from Kentucky, & we had lots of discussions on Kentuckty & the sports, there. I will miss Mary, & will remember her kindnesses to me.
May God bless her family, especailly at this time. Margaret McMullen, Roland, Iowa.
May you forever shine Mary!
condolences
My children and grandchildren grew up looking forward to Mary's seasons. One of my daughters was over joyed when she was able to purchase a house near Mary's. And now in Mary's house is a young couple and 2 sweet children who take care with love of that home. Mary was famous in our family. May you feel the Saviour's love at this time of your loss.
Dear Mary ...
Every time I plant a flower, I will remember you.
It was fate that I met dear Mary. She was the neighbor of a friend and co-worker who passed away. And at my friend's service Mary reached out and took my hand. And I felt such warmth and strength. And from there my friendship with Mary blossomed. Blossomed - Such a good word to describe her random acts of beauty - especailly FLOWERS, that surrounded her home on Grand Avenue in Ames. I will always treasure the memories of those times spent chatting, as we tended her plantings, and then sat to admire it all. Mary's open heart and sweet smile and quiet strength, and her great love of all things that bloom enriched my life. I will miss her here on Earth.
Mary was such a beautiful person inside and out! She was my "poster child" for Cedar Place. She will definately be missed by many!! My sweet Mary....
We will miss you, Grandma!!!
Love you Grandma.
I love you Grandma, forever and for always.
I'm so sorry to hear of Aunt Mary's passing. What a wonderful lady she was. As I child I always looked forward to her summer visits to Hinckley where I grew up. I'm sure my love of flowers comes from my Grandmother (Elizabeth Smith Moffatt)and Aunt Mary. We enjoyed visiting with her several times over the years at her home on Grand. She could always be found either gardening or crafting. She certainly was a "Grand" lady, and we will miss her greatly.
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