Mary E. Pettijohn
July 24, 2013
Mary Ellen Pettijohn, 77, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at Park Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Bondurant Federated Church, 103 2nd Street SW in Bondurant, Iowa, with Pastor Jeff Sanderson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will take place at Bondurant Cemetery.
Mary Ellen was born in Bondurant, Iowa, on November 6, 1935, to Floyd and Thelma Kinney. She enjoyed growing up on a farm and participating in Campfire Girls, 4H, and FHA, holding several state and county offices. An excellent athlete, Mary Ellen was on the varsity basketball team from 6th grade until her senior year of high school. The music program was also an interest of Mary Ellen’s. She played baritone horn in concert and marching band. The Drake Relays and Tulip Festival were her favorite events. Her college days at Central College were very busy with intramural sports and a radio program called “Swing and Sway with Mary and Jay.” Her working career began at the Bell Phone Company in the yellow pages, and finished up in coin box collecting until her retirement in 1996. For the next ten years, Mary Ellen worked as a receptionist at a local hair salon.
Being a mother and grandmother was a role Mary Ellen loved, especially attending games and meets, and she attended a lot! Whether it was a family camping excursion or a trip out west, getting together with family and friends meant a lot.
In 2008, Mary Ellen was united in marriage with the love of her life, George Green. They made the most of their short time together with trips out west and visiting family. Though Mary Ellen and George suffered numerous medical problems, they were always there for each other. Mary Ellen battled cancer on and off for 15 years. Her gift of gab and sense of humor will be greatly missed by family, friends, neighbors, and strangers!
In addition to her husband George, Mary Ellen is survived by her two sons, Mark (Molly) Woodward and Mike (Karla) Woodward; grandchildren, Jake, Kelsey, Ashley, and Kayla; and great-grandchildren, Will and Kamryn. Mary Ellen also leaves behind her sister, Pauline (Dwight) Miller; her brother, John (Karen) Kinney; Debra Carlton and Kim Thompson and many of George’s family. She was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Carl Pettijohn.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bondurant Federated Church or the Iowa State Fairgrounds “Blue Ribbon Foundation.”
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bruce & Marjorie (Kinney) Petesch
08/01/2013
Mary Ellen was amazing! Never have I known anyone who had so much energy and such a love of life. Add to that her wonderful, gravelly voice and salty sense of humor -- she was such a fun person. She was, far and away, my favorite cousin. Our thoughts and prayers are with George, Pauline, John, Mark & Mike. She was an amazing woman.
Rachel Moore
07/30/2013
Mary was a friend and great neighbor. Will miss seeing her mowing twice a week.
I enjoyed talking to her on the phone at the beauty salon when I would make appointments and waiting on her/George at Fareway.
I won't be able to attend the service, but my thoughts are with George and Mary's family. She will be missed.
Carl and Dania Kinney
07/29/2013
We were very sorry to hear that Mary Ellen had passed away. We are sorry that we can not be there with you all at this time, but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Glenda and Troy Anderson
07/29/2013
May each of you know that our arms are wrapped around each of you and we are all thinking of you during this time.
Dale and Donna Kinney
07/28/2013
We are so very sorry to hear that Mary had passed away. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. She will be greatly missed. We wish we could be there with you.
Burts Family
07/27/2013
We are very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in this sad time. (Rev. 21:4)
Jean Morgan Jennings
07/26/2013
Mary was a very special part of my high school years - she was the tournement transportation for wrestling cheerleaders many, many times over the years. We all loved her!
The world is a much more ordinary place without her.
carlos trejo
07/25/2013
i am so deeply sadden by here death. i will miss here ever so much.God has prepared a mansion for here in heaven. when i get there it will an honer and my pleaser to trim all of her bushes forever. God bless you. mary.
Julie McIntosh
07/25/2013
She is no doubt in charge of the lawn care in Heaven! She was quite the gal and I will miss her very much! Will never forget going out to dinner with her and she always got those nasty chicken livers! Praying for your families Mark and Mike.
Ruby Hodges {Smith} and family
07/25/2013
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss Mary was a wonderful lady.. I haven't seen her in a while but was just thinking about her yesterday, she will be truly missed !!
Ron Jewett
07/25/2013
Very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. - The Jewett Family