Mary Jane Wilkey

Mary Jane Wilkey

Cedar Rapids

Mary Jane Wilkey, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at 4:39 a.m. at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House, surrounded by love.

Born on August 3, 1938, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Helen (Van Dyke) Heth and Marion Heth, she grew up in Walker, Iowa, until she moved to Cedar Rapids, where she worked at Rockwell Collins for 32 years. It was there she met her husband of 39 years, Larry Wilkey, until he passed away in 2001. They married on June 3, 1962, and moved to the Bertram area, where they raised their family.

She was known as the “animal lady” on the Dr. Max Show. She was an avid animal lover who never turned away a stray. Her kitties, Smokey and Sunny, were constant companions who brought her great joy.

Mary Jane never met a stranger — her door was always open, and she was famous for her invitation to stop by for “cocktails". She loved the outdoors and took pride in her beautiful yard full of flowers, but her greatest pride was always her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lit up whenever she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She also loved to go to local dances and entertaining with her numerous friends.

She is survived by her children, Kelly (Mark) Fischer and Toni (Dave) Hof of Cedar Rapids, Mike Wilkey of Williamsburg, and Mark Wilkey of Bristol, Virginia; She was a proud grandmother to Chanel Whitford, Kelsey (Kaleb) Howey, Nick Hof, Josh (Sadie) Hof, Colton Hof, Bryce Wilkey, Dylan Wilkey, Harley Wilkey, and Wyatt Wilkey; and a delighted great-grandmother to Knox Howey, Lyla Jane Howey, and Wesley Hof; and special friend, Dean Brogan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Wilkey; parents, Helen and Marion Heth; and brothers, Harold Heth, Howard Heth, and Charles Kessler.

A celebration of Mary Jane’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa, with visitation from 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be addressed to the Linn County Humane Society or charity of your choice for animal welfare.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mary Anne Nelson and the staff at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House for their compassionate care.

Mary Jane’s spirit, laughter, and unconditional love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of kindness, hospitality, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Please share your support and memories with Mary Jane’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.