Mary Gooden

MARY LEA (SWITZER) GOODEN

Atkins

Mary Lea (Switzer) Gooden, 68, of Milton, formerly of Atkins, passed away Jan. 15, 2017, at Good Samaritan's Hospice in Ottumwa. A Celebration of Life and luncheon will be at noon April 29 at Milton American Legion in Milton.

Mary was born March 28, 1948, in Freeborn, Minn., to Merle and Margaret (Stoa) Switzer. Mary grew up in Atkins, attended St. Stephen's Lutheran School and graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1966. She then attended college in Kirksville, Mo. Mary was employed at Van Buren

County in Keosauqua for many years in both the assessor's and treasurer's offices until she retired. She was very generous in supporting many community initiatives and the Democratic Party.

Many friends and community members benefited from her outstanding skills in the kitchen.

Survivors include a daughter, Robin Airy and fiance Todd Kinnett of Columbus, Ohio, and son, Ryan Gooden (Sandi) of Milton, whom she shared with former spouse Bob Gooden; brothers, Don (Pat) of Cedar Rapids, Darryl (Kristi) of Gilbert, Ariz., and Mark (Cathy) of West Des Moines; sisters, Judy (Ralph) Buhrow of East Dundee, Ill., and Kathy Banks of Denver, Colo.; and two granddaughters, Jordyn Airy and Taylor Airy, both of Columbus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Margaret Switzer, and brother, Roger Switzer, all formerly of Atkins.

Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mary's honor. Donations may be sent to Mary Gooden Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 181, Milton, IA 52570.