Margaret “Mardi” Ann Mitchell Voss (1931-2009)

VOSS, MITCHELL, MORRIN, SIDERS, VOSS-SIDERS, HYER, KOLB

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 1/31/2009 at 09:22:33

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

Margaret “Mardi” Ann Mitchell Voss, 77, of Ames, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, of cancer. A memorial celebration of Mardi’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Mardi was born June 19, 1931, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Lester and Winifred Morrin Mitchell, of Fairfax. She graduated from Roosevelt High in Cedar Rapids in 1949. Mardi continued her education at Iowa State University studying home economics, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1953, and master’s degree in 1962. She was a sister of Kappa Delta Sorority and lifelong alumnus. Mardi married Regis Dale Voss, Ph.D., of Atkins, on Nov. 24, 1956. She entered the workforce as a home economics teacher at Marengo High School for two years. She then took a position with Cedar County Extension in Tipton as a home economist. She eventually worked with the Extension in Ames in the same capacity as well as being an agent-at-large where she traveled all over the state to assist those in need of her services. Eventually, she left the workforce and became a full-time homemaker and mother and remained in Ames until her death.

In her youth her proudest achievements were in Girls’4-H Club. She held several offices including at State 4-H Secretary/Treasurer. Because of her longstanding involvement in 4-H as a youth, then as an adult through her work in Extension and as a volunteer leader, Mardi was inducted as an Honorary 4-H Member in 1979. The highlight of her later years took place after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She was compelled to leave the comfort of her home in Ames to assist in the relief efforts in Louisiana as a Red Cross Volunteer. Being the oldest volunteer there, she was dubbed “Grandma” by the other workers. Upon her return, she was invited by her grandson and his fourth-grade class in Zumbrota, Minn., to speak about her experience there. This led to many talks and presentations around the Ames community about the toll that was inflicted in that region.

She has been very active in the Ames community as a member of several organizations including PEO, Ames Public Library, State Council on Aging and NARFE (National Retired Federal Employees Association) and had been a member of the congregation of St. Thomas Aquinas since she came to Ames as a young adult. Mardi had several interests that kept her busy. She was an avid supporter of Iowa State athletics and academics. She belonged to a number of bridge groups. She also enjoyed sewing, home improvement projects and reading.

Sheis survived by her husband of 52 years, Regis Voss; a daughter, Lori Voss-Siders, of Ames, and a son, John (Theri) Voss, of Zumbrota, Minn.; brother, Richard (Amy) Mitchell, of Amana; grandchildren, Brianne Hyer, Jaylei Kolb, Rhea Voss, Thomas Voss, Jessie Siders, Alexia Siders, Samantha Voss, Avery Voss and Abigail Voss; and three great-grandchildren.

Mardi was preceded in death by her son, David James Voss; both of her parents; and an infant brother, John David Mitchell.

Memorials may be given in her memory to Iowa 4-H Foundation or to Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Adams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

http://www.amestrib.com/
 

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