Obituary

Mary Ann Roberts, 92, passed away on July 27, 2024 following a brief illness. Mary Ann was born on February 8, 1932 in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert Johnson & Cecil Marjorie (Snyder) Rittgers.

Mary Ann was a lifelong resident of Johnston, Iowa and lived on her great grandfathers, Jacob A. Rittgers original land most of her life. Her father, Robert J. Rittgers built the home she shared with her husband, Charles, and together they raised 5 children.

Mary Ann was Mayor of Johnston in the 1980’s and remained active in politics until her death. In the 1990’s and 2000’s she operated a catering business and jointly operated a coffee shop with her son Chuck. She is remembered by her family as frugal, artistic, politically astute, and always ready to lend an ear to her children and grandchildren, and a Rittgers through and through.

Survivors include her 5 children, Rebecca (John) Becker, Deborah (Milton) Vaughan, Julia (Ron Stout) Roberts, Marjorie Fickes, Charles B. (Cindy) Roberts, 5 grandchildren, Tiffany (John) Anderson, Deanne Cerne, Robert Fickes, William (Susan) Fickes and Dylan Vaughan, and 2 great grandchildren, Margaret & Tucker Anderson. Preceding her in death was husband, Charles Lowell Roberts, and sister Carol Dickenson.

Her loss will be keenly felt throughout by many.

A funeral service will begin at 1:30pm, Monday, August 5, 2024 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50322. The family will greet friends on Monday from 12:30pm till service time at 1:30pm. Burial at Rittgers Family Cemetery, Johnston, will immediately follow the funeral.


All services at Iles WESTOVER CHAPEL.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Mary Ann Roberts, please visit our Tribute Store.