Obituaries : Mary Hoon

SHELLSBURG – Mary Hoon, 63, died Saturday, November 13, 2010, at St. Luke’s Living Center West in Cedar Rapids from cancer.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 20, 2010, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with Rev. Elissa C. Johnk officiating. Private inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Shellsburg.

Mary Rose Hoon was born August 12, 1947, in Vinton, Iowa, the daughter of Clell and Lyla Gordon Hoon. She attended Shellsburg High School, graduating in 1965. She was a singer from a young age, beginning with the Shellsburg Rebekah Lodge at the age of five. In junior high, she sang with “His Sheep,” a vocal group at Grace Trinity Church in Shellsburg. Mary then became a soloist, including serving as an International Soloist with the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies. She also held several offices within the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, serving as president of the Rebekah Assembly of Iowa in 1996-97. Since 2008, Mary has also served on the Board of Directors of Arts a la Carte in Iowa City.

Mary worked various jobs during her life. For the past thirteen years she worked at the Eastern Iowa Airport, most recently in the Welcome Center.

Mary is survived by her sister, Karon Cunningham of Vinton; niece, Amy (Steve) Broxey; nephew, Jerry Cunningham; great-nieces, Kristal and Holly Cunningham; and a host of loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials may be directed to a hospice or an animal shelter of your choice.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Mary and her family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.