Marie Allbee, 97, of Grinnell, died Nov. 29, 2019, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. A prayer service and graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Rev. Kirsten Klepfer of First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell officiating. Pallbearers were her grandsons: Richard and Kevin Lowry, Steve and Tim Locker, and Rick and Jason Allbee. Burial was be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to the Marie Allbee Memorial Fund.
Marie was born Oct. 15, 1922, in Ida Grove, the daughter of Roscoe and Sara “Sadie” McMeekin Johnson. She was raised in Montezuma and was a 1940 graduate of Montezuma High School.
May 19, 1940, she was united in marriage with Ray C. Allbee in Lancaster, MO. The couple lived in Grinnell where they raised their four children: Sandra, Patricia, Ray, Jr., and Larry. Ray died in 1991.
Marie enjoyed operating the Pioneer Restaurant with her husband and working at various Grinnell businesses over the years, including Cunningham Drug Store. She got to know many Grinnell residents and enjoyed visiting with them. Marie found pleasure in family get-togethers, going for car rides, and eating meals out.
Marie was a member of the Grinnell First Presbyterian Church and American Legion Auxiliary in Minnesota, and was very active with the Rebekah Lodge, serving as an officer for many years. She was also a Camp Fire Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother.
Survivors include three children: Sandra (Robert) Locker of Fridley, MN, Patricia (Charles) Lowry of Oskaloosa, and Ray (Rose Mary) Allbee, Jr. of Lynnville; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray; a son, Larry; a grandson, William Lowry; and two brothers, Harold and Raymond.
