ROSS, Mary E. (Sawyer) 1932-2015

ROSS, SAWYER

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 10/26/2015 at 17:37:00

Obituary for Mary E. Ross

Mary Ellen Ross, 82, passed away on July 17, 2015 at Nation Cottage, Western Home in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

She was born October 23, 1932, the only child of George and Ruth Sawyer in Hawarden, Iowa. She graduated from Hawarden High School and then received her Bachelor's Degree from the State University of Iowa where she was in the Scottish Highlanders bagpipe band.

Mary taught high school business subjects in Grundy Center, Iowa and Algona, Iowa, before she was joined in marriage to Robert L. Ross, August 31, 1957. Thereafter, she focused on raising their five children. They settled in Cedar Falls in 1963 then moved to Waterloo, Iowa, in 1969. This lasted twenty years and firmly established her as an East Waterloo High School booster as her four oldest children graduated from East High.

Mary enrolled the children in competitive swimming in 1970, which became a major family activity that continues with her grandchildren. She also encouraged her children to participate in vocal and instrumental music and faithfully attended all performances. She volunteered to support the activities of her children including various PTAs, Waterloo Swim Club, and East Waterloo High School Booster Club.

She was a life-long Catholic and a parishioner since 1989 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. Local organizations she volunteered for over the years included Western Home, Catholic
Charities, Meals on Wheels, and the Democratic Party. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, baking and especially ice cream. In her later years, she became interested in genealogy.

She is survived by husband Robert, children Becky (Bill Mitchell) of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Brian (Jean Coleman) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, David (Michelle) of Des Moines, Iowa, Teri (Mike Stewart) of Naperville, Illinois, Dan (Erica) of Denver, Colorado; and nine grandchildren.

Her funeral service will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Cedar Falls Monday, July 20 at 11:00 a.m. An informal reception will proceed the mass at 10 a.m., with lunch following. Interment will occur in Sidney, Iowa, at a date to be determined.

Source: Richardson Funeral Home

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