"Vaughn and family, Sorry to hear of Meg's passing. We knew each other from the Alumni Board at ISU and there was always a smile and greeting each time we ran into each other - on campus or not. A pleasant and talented lady to be with and around...will never forget her. You have our prayers"
In loving memory of
Mary "Meg" E. Speer
September 3, 1924 - August 26, 2013
Mary E. Speer died the morning of August 26th, 2013. A gathering of friends and family will be Thursday September 5, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 pm and a memorial service will be Friday September 6, 2013 at 4:00 both at the United Church of Christ 217 6th Street Ames, Iowa.
Mary was the daughter of Iowa (Hempel) and Gustof J. Graf of Elkader, Iowa. She graduated with honors from Elkader Central High School in 1942, then attended Dubuque College her freshman year. She transferred to Iowa State College in 1943 and majored in dietetics and graduated in the spring of 1946. Then she did a one year internship at the University of Minnesota where she was involved with the polio ward that Sister Kenny was pioneering on polio cure. On August 19, 1947 she married Vaughn C. Speer in the Congregational Church in Elkader. They moved to Gilbert, Iowa and Meg became the first dietitian hired at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames by Supt. Edna Holcomb.
At the time of David M.'s (deceased) birth on July 13, 1948 she resigned her position at Mary Greeley, but did work part time in diet related consultation for the students at the Iowa State College Hospital which she continued until James D. Speer's birth on 5-3-51. The family moved to St. Louis, MO where Vaughn having his M.S. degree was hired by the Ralston Purina Company in the Product Control Division. Upon the invitation to Vaughn to work towards his PhD, the family returned back to Ames in July of 1953. Elizabeth A. was born followed by Diana L. on 10-18-62.
Meg re-entered the dietetics field in the Spring of 1966 by consulting at the Belmond and Clarion hospitals. She consulted at the Story City Hospital and Bethany Manor for 25 years and Eastern Star Homes and Ledges Manor in Boone for 30 years as well as Ogden Manor, and Ankeny SunnyView. She belonged to five different dietetic professional associations and over time served on many committees and held various officer positions, while authoring diet related publications. Locally she was a member of League of Women Voters, P.E.O.,Heartland Senior Services, Faculty Women's Club, Master Gardeners of Story County, Reiman Gardens CoHorts, Iowa State University Alumni Board, Ames Historical Society, and read for the blind (IRIS).
Meg's family includes her husband of 66 years, Vaughn, son David(deceased) and Joyce Speer, son Jim and Julie Speer, daughters Beth and Ron Frandsen, and Diana and Bob Sarussi; 5 grandsons Ryan and Staci Speer, Brad and Wendee Speer, Rob and Christina Speer, Matthew and Karyn Speer, and Kevin and Tania Speer; 5 grandaughters; Lauren and Alyssa Frandsen, Alexa, Madeline,and Gabriella Sarussi, and eleven great grandchildren; Katelyn, Madison, Ella, Andrew, Olivia, Mayla, Molly, Autym, Trent, Kendra, and Gage. All received a card with a crisp dollar or more every birthday. Quite the brood for a single child who became a responsible greatgrandmother.
So we close with tears in our eyes, this 66th year of love and adventure.
In lieu of flowers gifts may be directed to Meg Speer Endowment Reiman Gardens Iowa State University Foundation, 2505 University Avenue, Ames, Iowa or United Church of Christ Congregational Endowment Fund, 217 Sixth Street Ames, Iowa.
Tributes
"Sending our sincere sympathy to the family of Meg Speer. Thinking of your family day after day, after day..."
"I was so sad to learn of Meg's passing. I saw her frequently at dietetics meetings and occasionally an ISU basketball game. "
"Dearest Vaughn & family -- I'm sending you much love from NYC (and special hugs to Diana & Beth). I was stunned to hear of Meg's passing. I take some comfort in believing there were "Curtiss Angels", including my dad, Dean, Maybl, Dee... waiting to welcome Meg to heaven. I have so many wonderful memories of Meg & life on Curtiss. One of my most cherished memories is when I was 15 and Meg took me aside after my dad died and gave me a safe place to talk heart to heart and to truly feel heard. I was blessed to have known her."
"VAUGHN, We are on shock reading about Meg. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family.
Aubrey & Connie LaFoy"
"Meg and Vaughn were great neighbors when we we lived next door. Since we didn't have a dog, we can't forget to mention their dog Checkers. Meg and Vaughn were always looking out for mom and dad after my brothers and I moved from Ames. She was an amazing woman!"
"I remember meeting Meg when she volunteered at the public library. She was so smart, patient and kind. I'll always remember how sweet, generous and friendly she was. Her varied interests and activities are an inspiration. She certainly enjoyed life.
I'll miss seeing her sitting next to Vaughn at the ISU Women's Basketball games."