Mary Beth Allsop

Mary Beth Allsop

Cedar Rapids

August 8, 1950 to December 2, 2024

Optimism, Patience, Kindness, Dignity and Grace define Mary Beth’s strength of character in her battle to overcome ovarian cancer. She was a role model of perseverance and positive mental fortitude. Not one time during her three-year battle, did she ask “Why me”. I have no doubt, the Good Lord recognized how truly amazing she was; and therefore, gifted her an in-home hospice day, before sending the angels to bring her home. Her December 2, 2024 moment of transcendence was undeniable - beauty without bounds.

Mary Beth Allsop was born Mary Beth Miller on August 8, 1950 at St Lukes’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the beloved single child daughter of Harold Vernon Miller and Gertrude Marie (Sanders) Miller.

She was an Iowa girl through and through. In addition to her mesmerizing blue eyes and radiant smile, she epitomized all that is great about America and the Midwest. A foundation of decency, kindness, loyalty, and humble intelligence. She was one who embraced with clarity; family values and the difference between right and wrong. Her work ethic left no doubt about her motivations: “if you want it, you have to earn it”. And like nearly all Iowa gals, she loved sports - especially the Iowa college sports teams and the St Louis Cardinals. Many will remember her as an exceptionally creative crafter and scrap board extraordinaire

Her Iowa education helped define her: Jackson Elementary, McKinley Junior High, and Washington Senior High School in Cedar Rapids. Followed by attendance at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Her professional career defined loyalty: she held two jobs in her entire life:

- The first, in high school and after college, where she worked in the dietitian’s office at St Lukes Hospital.

The second in support of her adventurous spirit and love of travel: For 18 years she served as a flight attendant with United Airlines – earning countless letters of service accommodation

In the December of 1985 while commuting to work in Chicago, she met and fell in love with the “Love of her Life” Steve Allsop. Having previously worked for an International Forest Products firm based in Connecticut, Steve was in the process of returning to graduate school at University of Minnesota. They met on an airplane going to Chicago where Steve offered his seat to two Elderly women in need. The change set him next to Mary Beth. Who says there is never a wrong time to do the right thing. The connection was instantaneous and electric. Connected by their adventurous spirits and fluid schedules, together they chose to take off the summer of 1986. They borrowed an RV and for months traveled about the country while falling deeply in love. Following Steve’s graduation in March of 1987, they were married.

Thereafter they built an amazing life together anchored by the love of God, Family, Friends, and community. Initially in Cedar Rapids/Marion and then more recently (the past 4 years) in Bluffton, South Carolina. Travel and Adventure remained a shared passion highlighted by trips around the world to destinations such as Cuba, Africa, The Amazon, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, Alaska etc etc While travel was fun, building and maintaining lifelong friendships has been their priceless passion.

Following the discovery of her terminal cancer diagnosis, she reflected on their life together by drafting this character defining letter of love and appreciation to family and friends:

“What a beautiful life it has been. While unexpectedly shortened, it has been a life blessed with gifts of great adventure, kindness, and joy. Sure, there have been moments of pain and sorrow, but beyond these few moments, I consider myself to have been one of the luckiest girls on the face of the earth:

- I had a family that loved me unconditionally

- A husband that I adored and shared a deep and abiding love

- A daughter of amazing beauty and grace that has completed my heart and soul. I am

convinced God reconnected us to provide a legacy bridge forward for you and Steve.

- A deep network of Friends that accepted me as I am, while sharing uncompromising

friendship. We shared all of God’s Treasurers – love, sisterhood, laughter, humor, sorrow,

devotion, and tears of joy.. simply the Best!!!

Today I wish to “Thank You” for the many thoughts and prayers you shared during my journey to beat cancer. It was during the darkest of these moments that your prayers shinned the brightest – it gave me the strength and fortitude to persevere. Steve says I won, because while it took my body, it never took my heart and soul. Thank you, your kindness – it truly meant the world to me!

God Bless You – now and until we are reunited

Love You,

Mary Beth Allsop

In honor of her wishes:

There will be a 1pm May 10th 2025 graveside service for family members at Cedar Memorial – 4200 First Ave NE – Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Following the service, there will be “Celebration of Life” gathering of friends at the Indian Creek Nature Center 2:30pm- 5pm May 10th 2025 – 5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 All Friends welcome

Condolences may be sent to Steve@mediaquestoutdoor.com

Mary Beth is preceded in death by: Father Harold V Miller, Mother Gertrude Miller, Father-in-Law Robert W Allsop, beloved dogs Casey and Abby – and Grand Parents from both the Miller, Allsop, Sanders, and Nichols families

Mary Beth is survived by: Husband of 37 years Steve Allsop – Bluffton SC, Daughter Emily Scully, Son-In Law John Scully, Grand Daughters Katie and Brooke, Grandson John Scully – Winchester Ma, Mother-in-Law Elizabeth – Cedar Rapids, IA, Allsop Brother and Sister in laws Rick and Mary Beth Allsop – Pewaukee WI, Jeff and Carla Allsop – Lake Okauchee WI – Nieces and Nephews Bob Allsop Austin Tx, Andrew Allsop Seattle WA, Nicholas Allsop/Peter Hendrickson – Washington DC/Maryland, Danielle Willey/Zach, Aiden and Maddie Willey- Hartland WI, Mikayla Allsop – Milwaukee, WI, Jackson Allsop- DePere WI And Steve’s Cousins the Ellis’, Peterson’s, Markley’s, Stracks, Nichols of Michigan and Wisconsin. And a lifetime of friends from around the globe.