Levis, Mary Louise West – 1925-2012

HARTMAN LEVIS, PRUGH, WELBORN, WEST

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/20/2024 at 10:40:03

Mary Louise Levis, 86, of Chariton, Iowa, died from a stroke on March 2, 2012 at the Santa Rita Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Green Valley, Arizona.
Mary was born in Corydon, Iowa on September 14, 1925 to Gilbert West and Nina (Prugh) West. She had one sister, Marge Hartman. Mary graduated from Corydon High School and from Parson's College. For a time after college she owned a retail shop in Chariton called the "Sampler", but for most of her adult life Mary was a wonderful homemaker, a marvelous wife and a terrific mother.
On September 7, 1950, Mary was united in marriage to Richard "Joe" Levis. They had two children: Ann Levis Welborn, currently of Wichita, Kansas and Tom Levis currently of West Des Moines, Iowa.
Mary was a long time member of the Chariton Presbyterian Church where she frequently sang alto in the choir. She was also a life- long time member of the IP Chapter of the PEO. In addition, Mary was a long time member of a Chariton book club, a member of several bridge clubs and a regular patron of music at the Johnson Auditorium in Chariton and the Civic Center in Des Moines. Mary loved reading good books, participating in engaging conversation, playing cards and listening to fine music and she especially enjoyed playing her piano. Mary also enjoyed visiting her beloved grandchildren.
Mary was proud to be a resident of Chariton, Iowa and loved the fun times at the Lakeview Golf and Country Club. When her husband was alive, Mary and Joe enjoyed traveling throughout the world and spending winters near Destin, Florida. After Joe's death in 2002, Mary loved her annual winter trips to Green Valley, Arizona where she and many other Chariton friends enjoyed the Arizona winter.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Nina West and her beloved husband, Joe. She is survived by her sister, Marge Hartman (Richard) of Lansing, Michigan. She is also survived by her son, Tom (Wendy) and daughter Ann (Chuck), along with her grandchildren Tucker and Hunter Levis and Parker and Paige Welborn. Mary left a special friend, Sophie, her cherished longhaired Dachshund, who now lives in Wichita with her friend, "Samie".
The family would like to specially thank Mary's friends in Green Valley, Dr. Jim Egly and Bob and Marilyn Clark, for all the help they provided when Mary suffered her stroke. The family would also like to thank the Santa Rita Rehabilitation and Nursing facility in Green Valley, Arizona for taking such good care of Mary.
Memorials may be made to the Chariton Presbyterian Church, the Chariton Humane Society or the Susan B. Komen Foundation.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Monday, March 11, 2012, page 8B