Mary Lynn Caldwell May 31, 1951 – December 9, 2009
Mary Lynn Caldwell was born May 31, 1951 to Jack and Rebecca (Montgomery) Caldwell in Pasadena, Texas. She passed away December 9, 2009, at the age of 58 years.
Mary attended school in Pasadena until the family moved to Redding, Iowa in 1964. She then began attending school at the Christian church taught by her mother, Becky, and Velda Routh. This is where Mary met and became lifelong friends with Joanie Routh, Joe Haley, Alan Force and Shirley McAlexander.
While growing up Mary enjoyed her family, singing and playing her guitar, twirling her play guns, fishing and puzzles. She had a soft spot for and loved all of her pets throughout her life.
Several years later Mary attended Innovative Industries. Many more close friendships were formed. After the construction of the Ringgold County Group Home, Mary became a resident for one year.
A highlight of Mary’s life was the opening of Ringgold County Supportive Services. This became a very important part of her life where she thoroughly loved and enjoyed all of the people and social events with her RCSS family.
In June of 2009, Mary became a resident of Crown Colony in Lamoni. Through the Genesis program Mary experienced living independently under the supervision of a caring staff. Although she lived there just a few months, Mary developed a loving bond with those around her.
Prayers before each meal were always said by her father. After he passed away, Mary was given this honor in the family. One of her favorite books to read was her Bible. Surrounded by family and friends, Mary was baptized at the Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church April 9, 2006. She was currently a member of the Faith Seekers Advent Christian Church.
Mary loved life and people. She never met a stranger or forgot anyone she ever met. Mary was a very special aunt to all of her nieces and nephews. She loved each one of them with all of her heart and their love for her was unconditional.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, Jack, and grandparents, Burr and Bernice Caldwell and Fred and Flora Montgomery.
Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Becky; brother, Steve (Janice); sisters, Gerri (Ray) Uresk and Karen (Randy) Taylor; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Miles) Baker, Kenny (Chrissy) Caldwell, Cassie (Aaron) Thiele, Bob (Lori) Taylor, Barrett (Jamie) Thompson, Dia and Jason Uresk, Stasia (Nathan) Nickle, Andrea Taylor, Lynne (Bobby) Gourley, Jacob Caldwell and Nick Taylor; 21 great-nieces and nephews, and numerous other relatives.
A memorial fund has been established in her name to be decided later. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
Services were held at the United Methodist Church in Redding on Saturday, December 12, 2009, with Rev. Edward Shields officiating. Musicians were Andy Trullinger, Mary Davenport and Margaret Bickers.
Casket bearers included Robert Taylor, David Head, Barrett Thompson, Nathan Head, Jacob Caldwell and Nick Taylor.
Honorary pallbearers were Brett Taylor, Kenny Caldwell, Nathan Nickle, Anthony Kinsey, Miles Baker and Jason Baker.
Mary was laid at rest in the Redding Cemetery, Redding.
