Mary Lea Gooden 1948-2017
SWITZER, STOA, GOODEN, AIRY, KINNETT, BUHROW, BANKS
Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 2/25/2017 at 08:17:27
Mary Lea (Switzer) Gooden, 68, of Milton, IA, passed away January 15, 2017, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Ottumwa. Mary was born March 28, 1948, in Freeborn County, MN, to Merle L. and Margaret J. Stoa Switzer. She married Bob Gooden and they later divorced, but remained friends.
Mary grew up in Atkins, attended St. Stephens Lutheran School and graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1966. She then attended college in Kirksville, MO. Mary had worked at Van Buren County Courthouse in Keosauqua for many years in both the assessor and treasurer offices, until she retired. She was very generous in supporting many community initiatives and the Democratic Party. Mary loved to cook, many friends and community members benefited from her outstanding skills in the kitchen. A few of her activities included: Van Buren County Democratic Party Treasurer, Milton Legion Card Club, Cantril Jam Sessions, Milton Heritage Society, and Milton Blood Drive.
She is survived by a daughter, Robin Airy (fiancé Todd Kinnett) of Columbus, OH, and a son, Ryan Gooden (Sandi) of Milton, two granddaughters, Jordyn and Taylor Airy, two sisters, Judy Buhrow (Ralph) of E. Dundee, IL, and Kathy Banks of Denver, CO, three brothers; Don Switzer (Pat) of Cedar Rapids, Darryl Switzer (Kristi) of Gilbert, AZ, and Mark Switzer (Cathy) of W. Des Moines, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Roger Switzer. Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many.
In accordance with her wishes her body has been cremated. A celebration of life and luncheon will be held Saturday April 29, 2017, at noon at the Milton American Legion building in Milton, IA.
Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua, assisted the family with arrangements.
Source: Van Buren County Register, Keosauqua, IA, 26 Jan. 2017
Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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