Mary Braafhart

Mary Gayle Braafhart was born November 2, 1945, in Pella, Iowa to Dale and Ina (Roush) Kane. She was the youngest of their 5 children. In 1964 she married Harry Braafhart Jr. She passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the age of 75. As all who knew her can attest, Mary had a genuine smile, sassy personality, passion for making great food, and love for spending time with her close friends and family.

She was raised on the family farm south of Pella where she developed her love for riding horses and spending time outdoors. Throughout her life she never missed an opportunity to return to the farm to enjoy Sunday coffee time and many family picnics. It was the roots of the farm life that helped develop strong bonds with her siblings, in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

Mary loved traveling with her family and many friends. Lots of fun memories were made on these trips, and many of the stories are still talked about today. She especially enjoyed spending time on the beach collecting shells or just soaking up the sun.

Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, grandma, and friend. She was an unbelievable cook and everyone looked forward to enjoying her dish at the family events. She made the best homemade noodles for which she had recently shared the recipe secrets with her grandkids.

Mary genuinely loved her grandkids and spoiled them, in a good way, every chance she got. Grandma’s cupboard was fully stocked with snacks and candy, and was a favorite stop for the grandkids. She also cherished the opportunity to have her grandkids and “friends like family” stop by after school to get a treat and spend time with her.

Mary was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan and loved tailgating in Iowa City as well as taking bus trips to away games. She was a tailgating pro and always had enough food to share with everyone, especially for those that may have had a little too much fun. No one ever went hungry with Mary around.

Mary loved children. If a baby was anywhere in sight you could guarantee it would be in her arms in short order and you may have a hard time getting them away from her anytime soon.

Mary was a great friend and developed many lasting relationships in her life. She loved her Friday nights at the Elks and cherished special friendships with many who spent time with her there.

On top of it all, Mary made a wonderful home for her husband and boys. She never missed a milestone or event in their lives and always made each of them feel special. They would not have needed for anything more.

She is survived by her husband, Harry; sons, Brad (Angie) of Lynnville, IA, Bret (Jennifer) of Pleasant Hill, IA; grandchildren Blake, Andrew, Caitlin and Ellie; brothers Barry (Connie) Kane of Pella, IA, Max (Joyce) Kane of Pella, IA; sister Jan Buyert of Pella, IA; along with many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dale Kane; and son, Benjamin Braafhart.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Pleasant Hill after the service.

After the burial service, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Elks Lodge in Pleasant Hill to honor both Mary and Ben.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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