Obituary: Annette Marie Townsend

Annette Marie Townsend, daughter of Nicholas Joseph & Alberta (Grannados) Castro, was born January 1, 1939, in Galt, California. Annette met the love of her life, Jerry Edward Townsend, as he was serving in the U.S Navy. They were married June 8, 1958, in Galt, California. To this union were 5 children: 4 daughters, Adrianne, Jan, Tammy, and Trudy, and 1 son Randy. Jerry always thought Annette looked like Annette Funicello.
After a few moves due to Jerry’s occupation as a law enforcement officer, the family settled in Mount Ayr in 1967 where she lived for over 60 years. Ann began a job at Mount Ayr schools as a cook, but her heart was serving her family. She was a loving and dependable wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved kids and her home was where she found great joy and peace.
Annette passed away on May 11, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Jerry; daughter Tamara (Tammy) Townsend; in-laws Orie and Evelyn Townsend; 2 brothers and a sister.
Those left to cherish her memory includes her children Adrianne (Addie) Townsend (Dean Blades) of Mount Ayr, IA, Randell (Randy) (Sue) Townsend of Braddyville, IA, and Trudy Townsend of Troy, OH; grandchildren include Jeremy Mahaffey, Jerrod Mahaffey, Amanda Angus, Ryan Bohannan, Raymond Townsend, and Drew Fry; seven great grandchildren; and many other family and loved ones she cherished.
An open visitation will be held at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the family present from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The service will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 18 at the funeral home. Casket bearers will be Randy Townsend, Drew Fry, Raymond Townsend, Todd Minnick, Nick Debar, and Brian Davis. Burial will follow in the Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials are to the family. Memories may be shared at www.armstrongfh.com.