Mary E. North

Mary Emma North was born at Denison, Iowa, January 30, 1918, the daughter of August Chris and Nina Emma Comstock Keller. She was raised in Denison where she was graduated from the Denison High School with the class of 1936. On October 24, 1943, Mary was united in marriage with Earl Franklin North at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa. Their union was blessed with two children, Diane and Charles. They made their home on the farm two miles west of Vail and resided in and around Vail all of their married lives. Mary was a homemaker all of her life and was employed at Montgomery Wards in Denison during the 1960?s. For many years, Earl and Mary enjoyed spending the winters in the south and it was on their return trip home March 12, 1985, that Earl died in a traffic accident. Following Earl?s death Mary remained at her home in Vail. Mary was active in the United Presbyterian Church in Vail where she was a member for over sixty years, taught Sunday School, was superintendent of Bible School, served as president of the United Presbyterian Women, was a member of the Faith Circle, and, in 1988, was elected an Elder. In her spare time she enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, quilting, crocheting, camping and fishing. Mary moved to the Denison Care Center in Denison, Iowa, in October of 2003 and it was there her death occurred Monday, March 26, 2007. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 89 years, 1 month and 26 days. Including her parents, August and Nina Keller, and her husband, Earl North, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Warren Keller, a granddaughter, Lisa Anderson and son-in-law, Allen Anderson. Those remaining to cherish her memory include one daughter, Diane Anderson of Lincoln, Nebraska, one son, Charles North and wife, Carol of Merrifield, Minnesota, two grandchildren, Jill and husband, Barry Trease of Pleasant Dale, Nebraska and James Anderson of Pleasant Dale, Nebraska, two step-grandchildren, Connie Avis and husband, Jim of Granger, Iowa, and Chester Jones of Anoka, Minnesota, three step-great grandchildren, Travis and Justin Avis of Granger, Iowa and Emma Jones of Anoka, Minnesota, one sister, Marvel Hartwig of Denison, Iowa, one sister-in-law, Grace Abbott of Boone, Iowa, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2007, at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa, with the Rev. Kevin J. Freese officiating. Music for the service included Glenn Freese singing "It Is No Secret" and "Peace In The Valley" and the congregation singing, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Amazing Grace" with Ruth Noelck serving as organist. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim and Suzi Barnes. Pallbearers included James Anderson, Jill Trease, Barry Trease, Mike Ruch, Joe Reiter and Louis Winey. Interment was at the Vail Cemetery in Vail. Following the service everyone was invited to return to the church and join the family for fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the United Presbyterian Women. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.