Mary Ruth Huckelberry

Mary Ruth Huckelberry, age 86, passed away peacefully at her home in West Des Moines, Iowa on April 22, 2025.

Mary was born on April 10, 1939, in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Marie and Hugo “Boots” Bieberdorf. She later moved to Pomona, California, where she graduated from Pomona High School in 1957. A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts from Westmar University in LeMars, Iowa in 1961, and her Master of Arts from the University of South Dakota in 1968.

Mary began her teaching career at Pomona Elementary School. On June 16, 1962, she married the love of her life, Dave Huckelberry, in Pomona, California. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage filled with love, family, and adventure. Their journey took them to Shelby, Iowa and later Victorville, California, where Mary continued her teaching career and where they welcomed two daughters, Mia in 1966 and Celia in 1971.

In 1976, the family moved to Muscatine, Iowa, where Mary worked in a local toy store before returning to the classroom. She taught for many years in the Muscatine Community School District, finishing her career at Central Middle School. Mary was a dedicated teacher who touched countless lives with her care and commitment.

In addition to her teaching, Mary and Dave owned and operated Ojibway Resort in Ely, Minnesota during the summers, a family endeavor they cherished until selling the resort in 1997. Their time at the resort was filled with deep connections and lasting friendships. They built a strong bond with the Ely community and treasured the many families who returned year after year to stay at the cabins—many of whom became lifelong friends. The resort was not only a business, but a place of joy, laughter, and cherished memories for all who visited.

Upon retirement from teaching and the resort, Mary and Dave lived lakeside on White Iron where they enjoyed entertaining friends and family who came to stay in their lakeside cabin. Her youngest daughter and two grandchildren got engaged on the property making for a special memory for the family.

Mary had a love for flower gardening, fishing, sewing and quilting, refinishing furniture, yard selling and antiquing. A favorite flower the Dutch Iris was a mainstay in her flower beds a passion she passed along to her eldest daughter.

Mary was a creative spirit and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Trudi Jordan and Elene Porter. Mary is survived by her husband, Dave Huckelberry; daughters, Mia (Tom) Arter and Celia (Jeff) Richards; grandchildren, Shea (Makanani) Arter, Brienne (Matt) Berte, Hayden Richards, and Laurel Richards; great-grandchildren, Kane, Knox, and Boone Arter, and Lily, Ella, and Colby Berte; and her sisters, Theo Yoast, Judy Ristau, and Gail Haaby.

A private family remembrance will be held following cremation, in accordance with Mary’s wishes.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Wesley Life Hospice and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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