"We loved having Randy as a neighbor during our time in Ames and his contagious laugh still brings a warm thought to each of us. We are still in our winter spot, Ruth, but our love and prayers are with you. We hope you can feel our support across the miles."
In loving memory of
Randall Randy Mortimer
January 31, 1917 - March 24, 2010
J. Randall (Randy) Mortimer age 93, formerly of Ames died Wed. March 24, at Bethany Manor in Story City, A gathering of friends and family will be 6:00 -- 7:00 pm Sunday, March 28th at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way with a 10:30 am memorial service Monday, Mar. 29th at United Church of Christ-Congregational Ames. Inurnment will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery Van Meter, Iowa
J. Randall was born January 31, 1917 in Thompson, Iowa the son of Raymond and Margaret G. (Button) Mortimer. The family moved to Adel where Randy graduated from High School. He then graduated from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. He served in WW II in the Army from 1942 until 1945. In 1945 he moved to Ames to work on his Masters of Economics. He married Ruth Hayes May 8, 1955 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Randy was employed at Mutual Benefit as a Farm Loan Appraiser before going to the Iowa Department of Transportation working in the right away appraisal department. He then started Mortimer Appraisals, and he and Ruth operated that for 18 years. Randy was a member of United Church of Christ-Congregational Church in Ames, Arcadia Lodge #249 A.F.&A.M. and Scottish Rite of Des Moines and Alumni of Grinnell College. Randy had fond memories of growing up in Adel with Nile Kinnick, Bob Feller and Hal Manders.
Randy is survived by his wife Ruth of Ames, sister, Marabelle Willis of Springfield, VA, nieces and nephews.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Juanita Kakac and Doris Bradley.
Memorials may be directed to United Church of Christ-Congregational or Alzheimer's Association .
On line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
Tributes
"I first met met Randy at the DOT. When I met him it seemed I'd known him forever - a kind and humorous man - not just a likable man - but a lovable man. At that time I knew him only as Mort. It was many years later, when I became his neighbor, that I learned his full name. Those memories of Mort will stay with me forever.May our Lord comfort you, Ruth, with all your memories of your life with Randy. May those memories comfort you in your loss always. Herb Holden"
"Dear Ruth, I send my sympathy to you from Poway,CA. I always remember the many breakfasts we shared with the birthday group. You and Randy were so delightful with your stories. We both have happy memories of our husbands-we were so fortunate to have them for so many years-Beach went to Heaven just a year ago. You take care-sending my love. "
"Ruth, You know how much Randy supported me through my years in Soroptimist, my speaking engagements and being "on stage". He was always so encouraging and so funny. I will miss him greatly. You, my dear, are one in a million. Your tears will be dried by the knowledge of a reunion on high. And the memories you must have!! God's blessings my dear. I miss you both. "
"Always the light of the room. Always lighting the way for others, I light this candle for you."
"Ruth, My sympathy to you; I always enjoyed seeing you two - such neat people. I'm in Minneapolis with grandkids at the hospital, but wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Randy was a lucky man - you're great. Take care, Love, Catherine Burns"
"Randy treated me as his own granddaughter the summer that I lived in Ames with my grandparents. He was always quick with a joke and a kind word. Ruth, you are in my prayers."