Mary Ervin Obituary

Mary Elizabeth (Williams) Ervin, was born September 6, 1923, daughter of Loyd Levi and Marguerita (Dott Benda) Williams of Humeston, Iowa.

Mary graduated from Humeston High School in 1940 where she was active in music and sports. Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa was her alma mater where she received her Standard Elementary Certificate and taught a few years in the public schools of Milo and Knoxville, Iowa before marrying Robert W. Ervin of Milo, Iowa in 1944. Robert served his country during WWII in both the European and Pacific theaters. After Bob was discharged, they lived in Lake Mills, Milo and Atlantic, Iowa. Mary worked as the Adult Education Coordinator for Iowa Western Community College and also as the Public Relations Director with Cass County Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.

Mary Elizabeth is survived by one child, Mary B. Ervin, West Des Moines, Iowa; as well as 2 grandchildren, Kate Thiel (Mitch) of Omaha, Nebraska and Brent Gangestad (Erin) of Urbandale, Iowa; one great grandchild, Griffin Bertholf; sister, Faye Mark of The Villages, Florida; sister-in-law, Charlene Ervin of California; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert Ervin preceded her in death in 1982 and her son, J. Samuel Ervin preceded her in death in 2015. In 1987 she married Thomas Billings of San Diego, California. Thomas Billings preceded her in death in 2010. Tom's daughters Judy, Betty and Sue still survive. Mary is also preceded in death by her parents, Loyd and Marguerita Williams; sister, Martha Ford; brother, Harold Williams; and sister, Phyllis Williams.

She was involved in the arts in Iowa, California, Arizona and also enjoyed tennis and golf, learning the game of golf in the late 1940’s and tennis when she was in her 60’s. After retirement, she lived in California and Arizona for 25 years before moving back to Iowa in 2009 to be near family.

Mary’s cremated remains will be buried at Indianola, Iowa at a later date. Mary requested that there be no services.

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