Mary Irene Earll, age 85, of Washington, Iowa, died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at the University of Iowa Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2014, at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington with Pastor Colton Clay officiating. In accordance with her wishes, her body has been cremated. Memorials have been established for the First Christian Church in Washington. Online condolences may be sent for Mary's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Mary was born April 25, 1928, in Jefferson County, Iowa, the daughter of Escoe and Thelma (Lowe) Messer. Her family later moved to Henry County where she graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. She was united in marriage to Delbert Earll on March 6, 1946 in Muscatine, Iowa. Following her marriage, she and Delbert moved to Washington, Iowa.

Mary worked at Advance Ross Manufacturing until it closed and then worked at Hardee's for 27 years until her retirement. She recently worked part-time in the Dietary Department at the Washington County Hospital. Mary was a member of the First Christian Church. She was Secretary and Treasurer for the V.F.W. Auxilliary and later became President of the organization. She was active in PTA and Bible School. She enjoyed volunteering at "Fish Days" at Marr Park.

Mary is survived by one son, Ronald Earll and wife Maggie of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Debra Heisdorffer and friend Steve of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Marlene Ayers and friend Dave of Winfield, Iowa; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son; one grandson; three brothers and two sisters.