Mary I. Casterline (1930-2022)

CASTERLINE, CRUSE, FARRELL

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/13/2022 at 16:54:34

Mary I. Casterline
Tipton

Mary I. Casterline, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2022 at Prairie Hills at Tipton. Mary suffered several strokes in her later years, and although she worked valiantly to remain as independent as possible after these setbacks, ultimately her health failed.
Per her wishes, there will not be a visitation or funeral. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.
Mary was born and raised in Mechanicsville, the youngest of the four children of local dentist Dr. Andrew W. Cruse and Florence Farrell Cruse. She graduated from Mechanicsville High School after which she attended the then Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.
In 1949, she married Richard J. Ferguson of Mechanicsville and they settled in Tipton, which would become her lifelong home. She and Richard later divorced. In 1979, she married James F. Casterline of Tipton. He preceded her in death in 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her three siblings: Margaret Cruse Bowler, (Ralph) James Cruse, and Richard Cruse.
Left behind to remember Mary with love and affection are her stepdaughter, Sherri L. Casterline (Larry Mathias), and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Mary was a long-time member of the First United Church of Christ in Tipton, the Tipton Athenaeum, Tipton Red Hats, and the former Tri-T Society. She also served as a Camp Fire Girls leader in her younger years and always cherished the lifetime bonds she developed with her girls.
Mary was known as a devoted friend and an incredible hostess who made every gathering special. She hosted her family at all the holidays with a loving and generous spirit. In addition to being an active volunteer at her church and organizations, Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, home decorating, and playing bridge.

Mary’s family would like to extend their love and gratitude to everyone at Prairie Hills at Tipton for the exceptional care they gave to her. Words are not adequate to express our appreciation for all they did.
The family also extends heartfelt thanks to those at Avalon Hospice for the tremendous care and support they provided at the most difficult of times.
Memorials may be directed to the First United Church of Christ, 600 Mulberry Street, Tipton, Iowa, 52772, or to Avalon Hospice at https://www.avalonhospicecare.us/locations/avalon-hospice-hiawatha/.

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