Mary Doris Richardson, 84, of rural Newton, who had unwavering faith and was the protector and caretaker of her family, passed away May 23, 2024, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center.
A visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 31, at Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton, and a Celebration of Life Services at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 1, at the funeral home. Memorials have been designated for Killduff United Methodist Church. The burial will be later at Our Silent City Cemetery in Kellogg.
Mary was born Oct. 31, 1939, near Prairie City, to Jesse W. and Hilda Marie (Sharp) Newell. She was a graduate of the Newton Senior High School, Class of 1958.
Oct. 20, 1961, Mary was united in marriage to Earl Richardson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kellogg. Earl and Mary were blessed with two children: Jeff and Jolie. Mary’s life was one filled with faith, love, and family.
Mary was employed by Maytag Company in Newton for 20-plus years, retiring in the business office in 1991. A lifelong resident of Jasper County, she was a member of Killduff United Methodist Church, Farm Bureau, and I-Club. She enjoyed going to the library, reading, gardening, crocheting, embroidery, and mowing the lawn.
Mary is survived by her loving husband Earl; her daughter Jolie (Jim) Gardiner of Mason City; her three grandchildren: Kayla (Kenton) Dunsbergen, Kyle (Brittnee) Richardson, and Elise (Brodie Cromer) Gardiner; her four great-grandchildren: Brody, Bowen, Hadelynn, and Oakleigh; and her many extended family and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her son Jeff Richardson, and her sister Shirley in infancy.
