Mary Dolores Van Horne

Mary Dolores Van Horne, age 89, of Urbandale, Iowa, died peacefully on Monday, September 23, of natural causes at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home on Hickman Road in Urbandale from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with a Rosary at 6:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale at 10:30 AM, followed by a luncheon. Dee and Jerry’s burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Mary (known to family and friends as Dee) was born on January 11, 1935, in Valley Junction, Iowa, to Martin Agurie Ramirez and Irene Josephine Zermeno. She graduated from Valley High School and married Jerrold (Jerry) Walter Van Horne on February 23, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church, also in Valley Junction.

As a young woman, she worked at Millowners Insurance Company in Des Moines. After marrying, she became a stay-at-home mom and housewife. Following her children's high school graduations, she worked as a cafeteria worker for the Urbandale Public School System. A member of Saint Pius X Catholic Church and its Altar and Rosary Society, Dee was also a Girl Scout leader and supported many non-profit organizations across the country. She was proud to have been a Valley Junction Cinco de Mayo Queen, alongside her brother, Gene Ramirez, who was King.

Dee loved all sports, was an avid Iowa State and Iowa fan, and never missed the Olympic Games. She was very sociable, frequently talking with friends, neighbors, and family, whether on the phone or during gatherings for meals, holidays, and special occasions. She enjoyed arranging flowers and traveling with her husband and family. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Dee dedicated time daily to prayer for others and the world.

She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Lynne Van Horne of Valley Junction; her son, Jerrold (Jerry) Lee Van Horne of Urbandale; and her grandson, David Lee Van Horne of Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerrold Walter Van Horne; her parents, Martin and Irene Ramirez; and her brothers, Richard, Edward, and Gene Ramirez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society or Community Support Advocates .