Mary Ann Schroder Obituary

Mary-Ann Schroder, a pioneering businesswoman, devoted mother and grandmother, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at Regency Care Center. She was 96.

Born on July 31, 1928, Mary-Ann was a bright and determined student, graduating as Valedictorian from Lorimor High School at just 15 years old. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from AIB Business College in Des Moines, Iowa. A trailblazer for women in business, Mary-Ann built a remarkable career, ultimately retiring as Vice President and Board Member of Mid-Central Plastics.

While her professional accomplishments were many, Mary-Ann’s greatest pride was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter Lori Ross, and a cherished grandmother to Paige Dechant and Lindsey Hill. She also adored her great-granddaughter, Cora Dechant. She found immense joy in traveling across the United States and Canada with Lori, her granddaughters, and Saqqara Arabians, always offering encouragement, perfecting hair buns, and delivering heartfelt pep talks before horse shows.

Mary-Ann’s passions extended beyond her family. She loved gardening, music, playing the piano, sewing, cooking, baking, and celebrating holidays with great enthusiasm. She was a lifelong fan of the Iowa State Fair and had a special place in her heart for animals. She also treasured the years she spent living in Hawaii during the time of Pearl Harbor.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Velma and Arthur Fisher; her sister, Jean Jones; and her nieces, Zella and Sandy Jones. She is survived by her daughter Lori Ross, granddaughters Paige (Chris) Dechant and Lindsey (John) Hill, great-granddaughter Cora Dechant, and nieces Linda Jennings, Lyla Monagon, and Rhonda Gragg.

A visitation will be held at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM on Sunday, May 18th at Iles Westover Funeral Home (6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa, 50322).

Mary-Ann loved flowers, and floral tributes are welcome. Donations may also be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Des Moines or the Animal Rescue League.

Her legacy of strength, love, and grace will live on in all who knew her.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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