Mary E. Pettijohn

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

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