OTTUMWA —
Mary Louise Cratty, 86, passed away peacefully at Great River Hospice in Burlington, Iowa Monday, February 18 at 6:30 a.m.
She was born in Ottumwa, IA June 19, 1926 to Melvyn "Torky" and Julia "Bonnie" Burns and was married for almost 60 years to her husband Laurence who preceded her in death in 2006.
A resident of Wapello for the past 8 years, she grew up in Ottumwa and had one sister Marthanna Wyatt. Growing up in the era of WWII, Mary Louise was a singer in the Ottumwa Naval Base band and was involved in modeling before she married Laurence on February 1, 1947. Together they moved to Cedar Rapids in 1954 and raised two daughters, Cynthia and Cherri. Mary was a stay at home mom and lovingly cared for her family and worked briefly outside the home as attendance secretary at J. F. Kennedy High School from 1970-1972.
She was a member of various organizations, including O.B. Nelson Unit #3 American Legion Auxiliary, B.P.O. Elks Lodge Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #114 Auxiliary and the Daughters of the Nile.
In later years, she cared for her husband through many health ailments and they enjoyed their retirement home at Lake Odessa and their many animals. She doted on her grandchildren, Seth and Summer and also her great- grandchildren, Fiona, Jude, Gabe and Pheobe. She always had a good meal on the table and was an excellent cook. She never saw a stranger, loved animals especially her dog, Spike and she appreciated nature especially feeding the birds. She loved to go shopping, visiting the casinos and always looked like a fashion statement. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Laurence, daughter Cynthia and sister Marthanna.
Survivors include Cherri (Jerry L. McGill) Wapello, grandchildren, Seth (Jade) McGill, Summer (Blake) Friis and great-grandchildren, Fiona, Jude, Pheobe McGill and Gabe Friis.
A private service has been requested by the family. with Rev. Jane Martinez officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made to the Great River Hospice in Burlington Iowa or the Wapello Ambulance Service in Wapello, Iowa.
Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa is in charge of arrangements.
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Mary Louise Cratty
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February 20, 2013
Mary Louise Cratty, 86, Ottumwa
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