Mary Jane Harsh

Mary Jane Harsh, of Adel, peacefully made her way to heaven on August 18, 2024.

Mary Jane was born on February 28, 1939, on a farm in Stuart, Iowa, the only child to her parents, Earlean and Gerald Hedges. Gerald passed away when Mary Jane was five-years old, an event that had a profound impact on her life.

In the years following, Mary Jane and her mother moved to Adel, where she graduated with the class of 1957. Throughout school, she was beloved by all of her classmates, as was her vast collection of comic books.

It was in high school where she met Dean Harsh, who would go on to become her husband on September 10, 1961. They were married nearly 55 years until his passing in 2016. This union brought two sons: Brad and Doug.

Annual summer vacations were a family favorite, with special memories of camping at Swan Lake. While the boys were growing up, Mary Jane and Dean loved to attend their activities and never missed a ballgame, even if the boys’ athletic ability most likely had them on the bench.

Mary Jane started her working career during high school where she spent her spare time working for Chick Schwarzkopf at the Ben Franklin store and as a car hop for Pearson’s, however, she was probably best known for her many years at Raccoon Valley State Bank. Mary Jane took great care of her customers for more than 25 years retiring 2005. Prior to her time at the bank, she spent many years caring for the children of local teachers.

Mary Jane was a wonderful friend and loved to spend time with the Red Hat Ladies and her very dear “Card Club Gals.” Card club was a monthly event started decades ago and was the original girl’s night, where the card playing was minimal, but the bonds of friendship were built over wine, food and an abundance of laughter.

Left to carry on her memory are her sons, Brad and Doug; grandson, Trevor; sister-in-law, Jan Sloan as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and her beloved card club girls.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Adel First Christian Church with a luncheon to follow. Memorials may be directed to the Adel Historical Museum, AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport, or Good Samaritan Food Pantry. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.