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Mary Ann Ash

August 25, 1935 - October 13, 2017

Mary Ann Ash, 82, passed away peacefully at the Israel Hospice House October 13, 2017 with her children at her side.
A Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 17th at the Ankeny First United Methodist Church (206 S.W. Walnut Street, Ankeny IA). A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral.
Mary Ann was born August 25th 1935 to Freeman and Marie Estle in Muscatine Iowa.
She graduated from Conesville High School in 1953. She moved to Muscatine where she worked for Kent Feeds. It is in Muscatine where she met the tall handsome Marine, Lou Ash. She became his wife and to this union two adoring children were born. Mary Ann spent her married life being an at home mom, making their many moves around the Midwest an easier transition for her family. As her children grew, she was known as the Hallmark greeting card lady. She loved working part time at Gene Ann’s Hallmark store in Ankeny. From that job, the inspiration for a Christmas ornament, or three for all for her children and grandkids was born. Their beautifully decorated trees will always be a reminder of her love and her joy in giving.
She was truly devoted to her family and when asked what her successes were in life she would say being a wife to a successful business man and raising two successful children. Her family always knew without a doubt her determination and drive created each of their successes.
She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Teresa Ash Simpson and her husband, Marty Simpson of Ames; her son, Greg Ash and his wife Cathy of Olathe KS and her grandchildren; Lisa Marie Simpson McKell (Matthew McKell) Grant Simpson (Jessica Simpson) Ryan, Joel and Elizabeth Ash; brother Don Estle (JoAnn); sister in law Louise Rettig and several nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Louis Ash; parents, Freeman and Marie Estle and in laws, Edward and Betty Ash.
The family would like to thank the Israel Hospice House nurses and staff for their compassion and care. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation designated for the Hospice House.