Mary Virginia Hites

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, April 20, in National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal. Procession will leave the mortuary at 10:30am. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.

She was born Mary Von Draska in Chicago, IL, on April 19, 1922. Her family moved to Rock Island when she was still an infant. Her friends called her Bonnie growing up and she was always active and adventurous as a child. Mary graduated from Rock Island High School in 1940 where she won awards for roller skating and dancing. As a mom, she joined right in playing baseball and tennis right along with her kids. She even continued to be active in her 70’s, hiking solo in Rocky Mountain National Park.

During WWII, Mary worked as a secretary at the U.S. Arsenal and later for Bituminous Insurance in Rock Island. In the late 1940's, Bonnie met her future husband, Joseph Hites during a dance at the Col Ballroom in Davenport. They married on May 21, 1949, and settled in Davenport where they were happily together for 48 years before Joe’s passing in 1997.

Her biggest passion was her love of her family and the happy home life she created for her kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by son, Timothy Hites; daughter, Patricia Daniel; grandson, John Rico (son of Timothy); granddaughter, Jasmine Hites (daughter of Timothy); grandson, Nicholas Galloway (son of Patricia); great grandson, Justin Galloway (son of Nicholas); and great granddaughter, Pari Krupa (daughter of Jasmine).