"Deepest sympathies. I will always treasure her signed book Aunt "Maribel's Memories", and her painted art jar. I hope to keep moving and stay as young at heart as she was. Sharon(Freeman)Sterbenz. "
In loving memory of
Mary Belle Binns
October 12, 1918 - May 1, 2017
Mary Belle Binns, 98, of Maquoketa passed away Monday evening, May 1, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by her family.
A celebration of Mary Belle's life will be held at 2 P.M., Monday, May 8, 2017 at the East Iron Hill Community Church, rural Maquoketa. There is no visitation and cremation has taken place. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
Mary Belle Freeman was born October 13, 1918 in McGregor, Iowa to Rob Roy and Clare (Curran) Freeman. At age two her Mother passed away and she was sent to live with an Aunt in Caledonia, Minnesota. Several years later her father married Anna Entringer and the family was reunited. Her Father moved his family from McGregor to Cascade, Iowa where the Narrow Gauge Railroad ended in which he was the conductor. Mary Belle grew up in Cascade and graduated in 1936 from East Cascade High School. She married Fred Binns October 1936 in Marion, Iowa. Fred passed away in 1978. He was a farmer in the Iron Hill area. She enjoyed being a farm wife, doing her share of caring for the animals and the daily chores. They had a son, Gary Franklin and an infant son dying at infancy. She was baptized in the Presbyterian Church in Emeline, Iowa and later became an active member of the East Iron Hill Community Church where she enjoyed the Sunday sermons and fellowship with other members. She belonged to the Ladies Aide. She was a housekeeper and helped in many homes in Maquoketa. She was a cook working at Crestridge Nursing Home, Michel's Truck Stop, Lake Hurst Supper Club and Decker House. She loved to cook and prepare delicious meals for special occasions. She founded the Rake and Hoe Garden Club. She loved her family, enjoyed reading; she was also an artist who could "paint on anything". She made quilts and was a member of Lola's Quilting Class where they made many quilts for the Lions Club.
Those left to honor Mary Belle's memory includes her four granddaughters, Michelle Hager (Kevin), Trisha Jaehrling (David), Kathleen Resendiz (Alex), and Mara'Lee Nickell (friend -Mike), Daughter in law, Mary Jane Binns, 11 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, her son Gary, infant son, her parents, 2 sisters Marguerite Winger and Lola Hardin, two brothers Robert and Merle, one half sister and one half brother.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Mary Belle Binns memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to give special thanks to the entire Diesing family and Kay Tracy for all they have done over the years for Mary Belle.
Tributes
"Very sorry to hear of your loss. My mom, Lolla Faye Binns Lambert (her niece) had visited her many times in the past. I, Linda Lambert Jessen, remember going to their farm as a child and shooting off fireworks. She will be missed!"
"So sorry for your loss. Worked with Mary Belle for several years, she was quite a gal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Our reunions were really fun. Aunt Mary Belle was always active and upbeat she will be missed."
"Such a special lady. I knew Mary Belle from Lola's Quilt group. I learned a lot from her and we tied many quilts for the Linus Project. I think about her often when I work on a quilt. She also painted an ornament for me that I treasure. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family."
"What a wonderful lady. We enjoyed many visits and phone calls over the years. She is already missed. "
"May she rest in peace in God's arms! Our deepest sympathy to all the family
Gary & Cathleen Holtz"