Cratty, Mary Louise

Mary Louise Cratty, 86, passed away peacefully at Great River Hospice in Burlington, Iowa, on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at 6:30 a.m.

She was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, June 19, 1926, to Melvyn “Torky” and Julia “Bonnie” Burns and was married for almost 60 years to her husband Laurence, who preceded her in death in 2006.

A resident of Wapello for the past eight years, she grew up in Ottumwa and had one sister, Marthanna Wyatt. Growing up in the era of World War II, Mary Louise was a singer in the Ottumwa Naval Base band and was involved in modeling before she married Laurence on Feb. 1, 1947. Together they moved to Cedar Rapids in 1954 and raised two daughters, Cynthia and Cherri. Mary was a stay-at-home mom and lovingly cared for her family and worked briefly outside the home as attendance secretary at J.F. Kennedy High School from 1970 to 1972.

She was a member of various organizations, including O.B. Nelson Unit #3 American Legion, Auxiliary, B.P.O. Elks Lodge Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #114 Auxiliary and the Daughters of the Nile.

In later years, she cared for her husband through many health ailments and they enjoyed their retirement home at Lake Odessa and their many animals. She doted on her grandchildren, Seth and Summer and also her great-grandchildren, Fiona, Jude, Gabe and Pheobe.

She always had a good meal on the table and was an excellent cook. She never saw a stranger, loved animals especially her dog, Spike and she appreciated nature especially feeding the birds. She loved to go shopping, visiting the casinos and always looked like a fashion statement. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Laurence; daughter, Cynthia; and sister, Marthanna.

Survivors include, Cherri (Jerry L. McGill) Wapello; grandchildren, Seth (Jade) McGill and Summer (Blake) Friis; and great-grandchildren, Fiona, Jude, Pheobe McGill and Gabe Friis.

A private service has been requested by the family with the Rev. Jane Martinez officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made to the Great River Hospice in Burlington Iowa or the Wapello Ambulance Service in Wapello, Iowa.

Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa is in charge of arrangements.

Published in The Gazette Feb. 20, 2013.