Mary Halstead
July 18, 2023
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Service Details
Mary Katherine Halstead, age 82, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born January 26, 1941, in Grinnell, Iowa to Dr. James and Helen (Reckler) Clements. A prolific writer throughout her life, Mary was frequently stopped by those who didn’t know her and asked if she knew there was a pencil behind her ear? Her pencil wearing habit began when she was in high school and continued throughout college where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Journalism from Iowa State University.
Her first job out of college was as the sports editor and photographer for The Cedar Falls Daily Record in Cedar Falls, Iowa. While the children were young, Mary was a freelance writer who wrote for publications such as Wallace’s Farmer, and was the editor for The Iowa Churchman, a newspaper for the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, for over ten years. She retired from Wells Fargo in 2010 as a technical writer.
Following retirement, Mary served the community through charity work with organizations such as the Caring Hands Food Bank in Altoona, and the Iowa Lion’s Eye Bank. Mary was active in her church, having served as treasurer and board member. She was a member of the Mitchellville Lion’s club and was a corneal tissue transporter.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Steve Halstead; children, Melissa (Todd) Rhoades, Robert (Sophie) Halstead, and James (Jennifer) Halstead; granddaughters, Allison and Paige Halstead; siblings, Jim (Kay) Clements, Frank Clements, and Harriet (Marcus) Clements; and her nieces, nephews, other loving family and many friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James H. Clements and Helen R. Clements.
There will be a memorial service honoring Mary on Friday, August 18, 2023, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Newton, Iowa beginning at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to St. Stephen’s Church, the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, American Parkinson Disease Association—Iowa chapter, or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
James Thomas Noonan
08/15/2023
Steve, Thoughts and prayers from Joye and I on your loss. If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask.
Eugene & Betty Gardner
08/13/2023
We wish to extend our condolences to Steven, and children of Mary. We are sorry to learn of your loss.
Deb and Jim Arns
07/27/2023
Dear Steve and Family,
Remembering you at UNI with Margaret (my sister) and Tom A.
We are sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She will be missed. Thinking of all of you.
Don Freytag
07/22/2023
Steve and Mary were great people. God Bless.
Jim and Meredith Tracy
07/21/2023
Dearest Steve and family, you are all in our prayers, not only for your sorrow, but also in thanksgiving for Mary. What a loving, joyful, Godly woman she is! A beautiful example to all who know her. She remains with us all, but now also has the blessed pleasure of seeing God face-to-face. Our love is with all of you and as you reach out to each other, remember that it is also Mary reaching out. Much love, prayers for peace, and hopes for happiest of memories.
Wilma Wilkinson Clark
07/21/2023
Steve,
So sorry to learn of your loss. Mary will be missed by your family and your community. She did so much for others. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Barry and Teri Mabon
07/19/2023
We are so sorry to learn of the loss of Mary. She was a very sweet soul. We pray a lifetime of memories will help all her loved ones to keep her precious memory alive. Our sincere condolences to all of Mary's family and loved ones.