Mary Locke Nelson - Adel

Mary Locke Smiley Nelson died Monday, December 3, 2012 at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry, surrounded by her family. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, December 6, at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Wednesday December 5 at McCalley Funeral Home in Adel where family will greet friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Mary was born January 3, 1915 to Matt and Jessie Smiley in Malcom, Iowa. She grew up around Dallas Center and Atlantic, but resided in Perry for the last eight years. She married Benn Nelson on August 8, 1937. She received her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) and taught elementary school in DeSoto, Iowa and later in Adel. Mary was a mother, homemaker, cultivated huge gardens and helped with the family farming operation. She was a member of various women's clubs and organizations but was active with the Order of Eastern Star for 76 years, serving in many offices. She enjoyed attending Grand Chapter functions, was appointed Grand Representative for Saskatchewan and was a member of the Hawkeye Links. She is survived by a son John (Carol) Nelson of Adel, three grandsons, three great-grandsons and one great great granddaughter. She was preceded by her parents, her husband, Benn, a son William "Bill" Nelson and brother Robert Smiley. Online condolences can be left at mccalleyfuneralhome.com Service: 11:00 AM Thursday, December 6, 2012 United Methodist Church Redfield, Iowa Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday, December 5, 2012 McCalley Funeral Home Adel, Iowa