"Robert and I were so sad to hear about the passing of Mary Grace. We loved her positive attitude and her cheery spirit. We will miss seeing her in Iowa City. I know how hard it is to lose your mom and I hope your wonderful memories of her will help you through it all. Our condolences to all of you. Rita (Pierce) and Robert Schmidt"
In loving memory of
Mary Grace Mayer
December 21, 1929 - March 8, 2018
IOWA CITY-Mary Grace Mayer, age 88, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, of Iowa City, formerly of Keota, passed peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Mary Grace was born December 21, 1929, in rural Keota, the daughter of Harry and Iva (Lenninger) Heisdorffer and graduated from Keota High School. On August 26, 1950, she was united in marriage to William Mayer at St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota. She worked with her husband in their business, Service By Mayer Service Station, in Keota until retirement in 1986. Mary Grace enjoyed traveling and experiencing all that life had to offer. She was an avid learner and took senior classes through the University. It was the love and passion she had for her faith, family and friends. Her family was her legacy and she savored every part of life. Everyone called her "Grandma Gracie" and loved her. For several years she wrote a column for the Keota Eagle newspaper called, "Bird Notes." She was a member of the Fortnightly Club, Catholic Daughters, Questers and Garden Club in Iowa City.
Survivors include six children and their spouses: Jacquelyn (Stan) Herr of Robins, Jennifer (Curtis) Bell of Keota, Jerilyn (John Merrill) Klein of Keota, Janelle (Bill) Kamerling of Lisbon, Janie (Matthew) Hahn of Keota and Joseph Christopher Mayer of Ankeny; 21 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren that she considered her "cherubs" and sister: Claudine Erwin of Keota. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Bill (Snapper) in 1996; sons: John Harry Mayer and infant James William Mayer; infant daughter: Jill Kathleen Mayer; grandson: Elijah James Hahn and brother: Arden.
Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemeteries - St. Mary Cemetery in Keota. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, where there will be a rosary and wake service at 4:00 p.m.
A memorial fund has been established for the Keota Veteran's Memorial, Wilson Memorial Library and Holy Trinity Altar and Rosary Society. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Mary Grace and her family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Our thoughts and prayers to all the family.!"
"I was saddened to learn that "Gracie" had died. I knew her, mostly in passing, in Iowa City, where she was the brightest, most cheerful face on the street. She took advantage of many opportunities at the Iowa City senior center, and always seemed to be on the move. I knew of her Keota connections and her large family. I will miss encountering her, and I send my sympathy to her family. Ina Loewenberg"
"My heart breaks for the family. She was a tenant of ours and was always so sweet, caring, and thoughtful. My sympathies. "
"Our deepest sympathy to the Mayer family, you are all in our prayers."
"Thoughts and prayers to the Mayer family. Mary Grace was a wonderful lady. Always with a smile and cheerful attitude. She will be missed greatly by all. "
"Many in Iowa City will certainly miss "Gracie." I knew her during my years in Keota and have also enjoyed seeing her frequently since she moved to Iowa City. It was always such a pleasure to spend time with her when she attended history presentation or church gatherings. I will certainly miss her smile and friendship."
"Such a wonderful, happy woman Mary Grace was! My thoughts are with the entire family. She will Forever be remembered by all. My deepest sympathy. Pam Hammex"
"To the Mayer family, our sympathy for your loss of Mary Grace. She is truly a great example of someone who never stopped learning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Leon and Rose Leinen and Jon and Shirl Leinen"
"What a wonderful lady full of life! I will miss talking birds, flowers and life with her. The world is a little sadder without her.I will miss you, Melinda"
"I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a perky lady, always happy and smiling. My sympathies, she will be missed by many."