Mary Erickson, 90, passed away on November 15, 2020 at her home at Kennybrook Village in Grimes. She was surrounded by her loving family! Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Friday, November 20 at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel in West Des Moines. A private family funeral service will be held.
Mary Belle Wright was born on November 6, 1930 to James and Golda Wright of West Des Moines, Iowa. She was the youngest of six children. Mary came from humble beginnings where she learned that love of family was worth more than any possession. During high school, Mary sold candy to other students when she met the love of her life. As she would say, “a tall, handsome GI named “Bud”. Theodore F. “Bud” and Mary were married on June 4, 1949 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage.
Mary worked many different jobs but the only role she wanted to be remembered for was loving wife, mom and grandma. She and Bud raised four children who were her pride and joy. As a family, they enjoyed trips to Arizona where they spent time at the Lodge and vacations to the Lake of the Ozarks. Bud and Mary moved to Tennessee for a while but Mary always longed for home, family and Iowa. They returned when Bud retired and resided in Urbandale.
Mary will be fondly remembered for her loving nature. She always offered a listening ear that was free of judgment. Her family will miss her fighting spirit and her strength. And most importantly, she will be remembered for the way she wrapped her arms around those she loved, pulled them close and whispered “I love you baby!”
Left to cherish her memory are her three children, daughter, Diane Greene of New Port Richey, FL; sons, Ted Erickson of Stockton, CA and Fred (Diane) Erickson of Granger, IA; daughter-in-law, Lori Rickert of Urbandale; her sister, Bette Dirksen, 15 grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren. Mary is enjoying a beautiful reunion with her parents, her loving husband, Bud, her son, Jim and her siblings who preceded her in death.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Kennybrook Village for the love and care they provided her over the last few years. We also wish to thank the staff at Suncrest Hospice of Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kennybrook Village Memory Care Unit.
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