Mary Fulton Obituary

Mary Eleanor Fulton, 77, died Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Iowa Methodist West Medical Center. In honor of Mary’s wish, a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Mary was born May 6, 1946 in Carroll, Iowa to Lawrence and Eleanor (Cretsinger) Turner/Yager. She was raised in Coon Rapids and graduated from Coon Rapids High School. After attending Wayne State College for one (1) day, Mary went to Drake University. She worked at Levine Travel (Morristown, NJ) and Hawkeye National Life (Des Moines) before marrying Bill Fulton in 1969. They were married for 26 years and lived in Portland, Oregon for 10 years before relocating to Urbandale. Mary worked at Racquet and Fitness Club West, Midwest Express and American Eagle Airlines, and Roslin’s Salon before retiring.

Mary was a wonderful mother who never missed an opportunity to tell her children and grandchildren she was proud of them. She was a favorite among her children's friends, some of whom thought of her as a second mother.

Mary was a devoted daughter and proudly called her mother her hero. She was often her mother's sidekick in the kitchen, especially during the holidays, and she routinely exchanged recipes with her sister. Requests for favorite dishes were always fulfilled and enjoyed. She passed her love and skill of cooking to her children and always looked forward to Christmas-cookie-baking-Chex-mix-making with her grandsons (although it included more quick-witted conversation and wine than baking).

Mary inherited her mother's green thumb. Their annual outing every May to shop for plants was a treasured tradition she shared with her daughter, and her front patio was always the most beautiful in the neighborhood. Her home was her sanctuary and her cozy warmth was felt when you walked through the door.

There was nothing Mary loved more than her four-legged family.

Mary liked to travel but she enjoyed coming home so much more. She took a cruise to Cuba and never got off the ship. She was a sun-worshipper, always sporting the perfect tan and somehow always looking at least ten years younger than her age. Her stylish jewelry collection was admired by both friends and strangers, and let’s not get started on those haircuts!

Mary was a sports fan, especially college basketball and football. March Madness was her favorite holiday. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed golf, but hated pickleball. She regularly attended, or watched online, anything her grandchildren played (except soccer). Her son picked up her passion for sports and her aptitude to loudly "encourage” her favorite team or challenge blown calls. We are pretty sure the first time her grandsons heard a woman swear was when Grandma Mary was watching Iowa State basketball.

One thing was for sure, you never had to guess what Mary thought, she always let you know.

Throughout her life, Mary had a knack for collecting friends and acquaintances and rarely went anywhere without running into someone she knew. Fiercely loyal, intensely genuine, always fashionable; the world has lost some of its sparkle.

Survivors include her children, Jay (Diane Kuhn) Fulton of Des Moines, Katie (Stuart Weston) Fulton of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Myles and Rowan Fulton; friend and ex-husband Bill Fulton of Urbandale; kindred spirit, Cindy Clason of Urbandale; nephews Jim and Tom O’Neil, Stu and Pete Turner; and beloved pets Phoebe and Heidi. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brother Larry (Mary) Turner; and sister, Janice (Jim) O'Neil.

In honor of Mary, please contribute to your favorite animal charity. And, we ask that you raise a glass of Chardonnay (with an ice cube if you are so inclined) and share a toast in Mary's memory with people you love.

ILES WESTOVER CHAPEL

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