Mary M. Best

Mary M. Best
October 10, 1917 - February 04, 2010
North English, IA
Visitation: 4 PM to 8 PM February 08, 2010 at Powell Funeral Home, North English, IA
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. February 09, 2010 at Powell Funeral Home, North English, Iowa
Mary Maude Best was born on October 10, 1917, in Montezuma, IA, a daughter of Cecil and Alyn Thorn Griffin. She graduated from Montezuma High School in 1935 and worked a short time in New York City. While working in Fort Madison she met Wilbur Dean Best. They were united in marriage on March 20, 1946, in Montezuma, IA. Mary and Dean made their home in Fort Madison, North English, and Marengo before moving back to North English in 1962, where they owned and operated Best Funeral Home and Best Furniture. Mary was a member of the North English United Methodist Church, the UMW, Fortnightly Club, Eastern Star, PEO and the Millersburg Legion Auxiliary. Dean preceded her in death in December 2005. Mary became a resident of the English Valley Care Center in January 2007. and died there on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 25 days. Mary is survived by daughters Patricia Best of North English, IA and Barb Wright (John) of Waukee, IA; sons Ed Best (Kim) of Urbandale, IA and Dan Best of North English, IA. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Kelli Best-Oliver and husband Chris Oliver, Jacob Best, Andrew Best (Liz) and Allie and Hilary Wright; sisters Frances Kutzner of St. Charles, MO, Anne Steele of Fort Madison, IA and Dorothy Haworth of Caledonia, MI Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter Mary Rebecca, a sister Grace Strah and a brother Richard Griffin. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English with Pastor Ben Wilson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, February 8, 2010, at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the North English Cemetery at a later date. Following the memorial service friends are invited to Knoll Ridge Country Club in North English for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Messages and tributes may be left at powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries. A memorial fund has been established for the North English United Methodist Church, th North English QRS and English Valleys Citizen's Scholarship Foundation.