Mary Ellen West

 Mary Ellen (Frush) West, 83 of Algona died Friday, Aug 19 at home. A memorial Celebration of Life will be held at the First Congregational UCC in Algona on Monday, Sept. 5, at 10:30 A.M. Mary Ellen was the daughter of Olin and Mary Frush. She was the youngest of four children and grew up and graduated from high school in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Mary Ellen earned a BS degree in Home Economics from Iowa State College in 1950. Mary Ellen married Charles E West on December 16, 1949. During their early-married years, they lived in Hartford, CT, and Cincinnati, OH. In 1957 the couple moved to Harrogate, TN to teach at Lincoln Memorial University. Their three children Lee, Karen, and Becky arrived during that time. In 1975, the couple accepted a call to serve a church in Geneva, IA. They later moved to a church in Hiawatha, IA. Mary Ellen was active as the organist/pianist and in the education, music, and art programs at both churches. Mary Ellen and Chuck retired in 1992 and moved to an acreage near Bode. They recently moved to Algona. Flowers, music and involvement in her church were Mary Ellen's passion during her retirement years. Mary Ellen ...[more]

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is survived by her husband, Chuck, daughters Karen of Cedar Rapids, Becky (David) Bibler of Algona, granddaughter Bridget Schlievert and great-grandson, Corbin of Clive, grandson Andrew of Denver CO, sister Betty Larson of Chicago, brother Bob Frush of Albuquerque, sister-in-law Kathy of Oskaloosa, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her son Lee, her parents, and a brother, Charles. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made to: Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. The West family will greet friends one hour prior to service at church and all are invited for lunch following the service of celebration.