Mary E Ahlstrom

AHLSTROM, BARRETT

Posted By: Pat Frette (email)
Date: 1/30/2009 at 05:13:33

Mary Elizabeth (Barrett) Ahlstrom passed away on Monday, October 6, 2008 at the Nightingale Suites assisted care facility in Arvada, Colorado. She was born in Boone, Iowa on February 16, 1924 to Glen C. and Jeanette (Benshoof) Barrett. She married William "Bill" Ahlstrom, also from Boone, Iowa, in Pointville, New Jersey on February 1, 1942 prior to Bill departing overseas with the U.S. Army's 34th Division in World War II.
Mary graduated from Boone High School in January, 1942. She was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, a lifetime "Die-Hard Cubs" fan club member, and was born and died a Democrat. Mary served as presidents of PTA at Lowell School and American Legion Auxiliary (member for 62 years). She worked to support the beginning of Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Boone. She helped start the concession stand at Memorial Park to make money for team equipment and park improvements. She was a Cub Scout den mother, a Sunday school teacher, and charter member of the Boone County Hospital Auxiliary and World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. She sent a letter to Tom Brokaw about her husband's experiences in World War II that was published in Brokaw's An Album of Memories, Personal Histories from the Greatest Generation, which pleased her as a tribute to her husband.
Mary enjoyed fresh flowers, house plants, cooking and traveling to see her family. She was most thankful for being a mother and grandmother and was affectionately known by all as GranMary. Since her husband's death, she has been under the loving care of her son and daughter-in-law Pat and Mary Ahlstrom. She was blind for several years and suffered from major health problems. The family wishes to thank Pat and Mary for the many years of devoted care and making Mary's life enjoyable.
Preceding her in death was her husband in 1996, her parents, and her brother Frank C. Barrett. Surviving are three children and their spouses, Mike and Doreen Ahlstrom of Woodinville, Washington, Pat and Mary Ahlstrom of Arvada, Colorado, and Jan and Don Murray of Greenwood, Indiana. Also surviving, are six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Mary Jane Barrett of North East, Maryland, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rich and Mickey Ahlstrom of Wichita Falls, Texas, nieces and nephews, cousins, and many good friends.
At her request, there will be no funeral. Family and friends will gather at a later date for a graveside memorial in Boone, Iowa. Her ashes will be interned with her husband's in Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Bill and Mary Ahlstrom Scholarship Fund at Des Moines Area Community College, Boone Campus, 1125 Hancock Drive, Boone, Iowa 50036-5399. Boone News Republican