Mary A. Waggoner

Born in Sioux City, Iowa on May 27, 1922
Departed on March 1, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial

Mary A. Waggoner, 87, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Monday, March 1, 2010 at Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at First Christian Church. Pastor Fred Darbonne will officiate with burial in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Friday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Mary Adel Patterson Waggoner was born May 27, 1922 in Sioux City, IA to Laurence Arthur and Daisy Belle Rathbun Patterson. She has one younger sister, Julia, who now resides in Forest City, IA. They grew up best friends, and continue to remain close despite the distance which separates them.

She describes her father as a very intelligent, family oriented man who acquired a good education through his love of reading. He mainly made a living through employment as a railway mail clerk. Her mother taught school until she married. She then became a homemaker. However, she continued her teaching ministry within her church, and also within her family. A people person, during World War II she wrote letters to every young man in her church who was serving in the military.

Mary received her basic education through the Sioux City public schools. As a part of her education, she studied piano for approximately six years. Her musical ability enabled her to accompany the boys’ glee club in high school, and to play for Sunday School and even worship services. She had walked a mile to high school, and she continued to do this after she entered Morningside College in Sioux City. In college she was very interested in psychology, however, as an upper class person she decided that a more practical course of study was English and Education.

After graduation from college, she taught high school English for one year at Graettinger, IA. After this she moved to Sutherland, IA where she taught high school English for two years. She then commuted to Paullina, IA where she taught for seven months. After marriage and being a homemaker for ten years, she moved with her family to Cedar Rapids in 1956 and returned to teaching. Here she taught fourth grade until she retired in 1987.

Mary met her husband, Delmar Lee Waggoner in Sutherland, IA. They were married June 16, 1946 in Sioux City, IA at the Rustin Avenue United Methodist Church. Delmar was employed in a variety of jobs, and ultimately became the custodian of First Christian Church, Cedar Rapids for 10-15 years. He loved fishing, and was an avid football enthusiast. His love of football took his family to all the Big Ten stadiums. One of Mary’s greatest joys with Delmar is the extensive travel they enjoyed together in various places within the United States.

Mary and Delmar had three sons together: Dick, who died in a car accident at age twenty; Phil, who lives in Fort Collins, Colorado; and Keith, who resides with her here in Cedar Rapids.

Mary and Delmar joined the First Christian Church, Cedar Rapids after they arrived in 1956. They were a part of the Friendship Class. Mary has served as Chairperson and member of Education Ministry, Chairperson and member of Worship Ministry, Associate Chairperson and member of Outreach Ministry, elder, and in Christian Women’s Fellowship. She also taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir for a number of years.

Mary is a member in good standing in the Eastern Star, and holds a 50 year membership card. Her interests include reading, traveling and interacting with others. Sewing is also a past interest, and for many years she made her own clothes.

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