Mary Jane (Wick) Pray (2013)
PRAY, WICK, MONROE, JONES, HIRSCH, RUSSELL
Posted By: Shirley Keating (email)
Date: 10/13/2013 at 22:32:40
Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa
Mary Jane Pray, Johnston
Mary Jane was born on a farm in Warren County, near Wick, Iowa, the daughter of William Wick and Martha Pixler Monroe.
Mary Jane was a High School graduate of Martensdale High School in 1934. She graduated from Simpson College's two year degree program and finished her college education at Drake University, receiving her B.S. degree in Elementary Education. She retired after teaching 30 years in Polk Co., Warren Co., and Madison Co.
After retiring, Mary Jane taught piano in her home and was church organist in several Catholic Churches. She played piano in several Care Centers in Warren County and entertained at the Knoxville Veterans Hospital as a pianist. In 1983 she represented Warren County at the "Older Iowan's Legislature" in the State Capital as part of "Cross Roads of Iowa Agency".
During WW II, Mrs. Pray was a typist at Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard Offices in Tacoma, WA. Her husband was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. in the 183rd F.A. Battalion. She later wrote a column of feature stories for the Warren County Record-Herold News for ten years.
She and her husband John were married 62 years and enjoyed their family life with son, Jack (Marsha) Pray and daughter Joanna (Dewitt) Jones. They were blessed with four grandchildren, Meghan (Doug) Hirsch, Ryan (Stacy) Pray, Justin (Maureen) Jones, and Jeremy Jones and four great-grandchildren, Parker and Connor Hirsch, Hailey Russell and Delaney Jones.
She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Indianola where she served as organist for several years. She was also a member of A.A.U.W., P.T.A. and the Indianola American Legion Auxiliary Post # 165.
Mary Jane passed away Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Bishop Drumm Health Center in Johnston, IA.
A Mass of Celebration will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 14 at Bishop Drumm Chapel, 5837 Winwood Dr., Johnston, IA, with burial following in the Calvary Cemetery, Churchville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at Bishop Drumm. Memorials may be given to Martensdale St. Marys School Library in Martensdale, IA., Variety Club 505 5th Ave. Suite #310 Des Moines, IA 50309, Bishop Drumm Foundation or Mercy Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.overtonfunerals.com .
Gravestone Photo
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