Mary Gregory

Mary Lou (Powell) Gregory joined family and friends in eternal rest on May 11, 2024. Mary was born on January 12, 1929 in Lake City, Iowa to Harold and Mattie (Platt) Powell and was raised on the family farm 5 miles west of Rockwell City Iowa. Mary attended the one room grade school in Lake Creek Township and graduated from Rockwell City High School in 1947.

Mary was united in marriage to Robert Gregory on August 23, 1953 in Omaha, NE and moved to the Gregory family farm close to both parents. Preceding Mary in death were her parents Harold and Mattie (Platt) Powell, husband Robert Gregory, son Brent Gregory, sister Georgia Kostos, and brothers Max Powell and Craig Powell.

Mary worked for GTE until she married in 1953, then returned to work as a telephone operator until retirement in 1986. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Rockwell City and an active participant in the Methodist Women’s Circle. She raised her children and worked alongside Robert on the farm. After Mary moved from the farm to Rockwell City she was able to enjoy a community with people she had known for years and made herself available to bake the pies, make the salad or help others get to appointments. She developed lasting friendships with her Red Hat Ladies group and especially was able to enjoy going places – local and international. Taking road trips allowed her to partake in a favorite pastime of shopping, visiting auctions or perusing antique stores

Mary will be missed by her brother Ron Powell (Maebelle) and nieces and nephews, four daughters – Brenda Crum (Frank) of Odessa, Florida, Kim Herd (Alan) of Houston, Texas, Alisa Gregory (Dale) of San Antonio, Texas and Lori Griess (Wendell) of Urbandale, Iowa as well as granddaughter Brittany Morales (Marlon) and their children Liam, Brielle and Sophia and granddaughter Brianna Rossmanith (Alex) and their children Emmett and Jack.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday May 18, 2024 at Laufersweiler Palmer-Swank Funeral Home in Rockwell City. There will be a visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of service on Saturday. Private family burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery.