Mary Lavina Israel, 96, passed away February 17, 2017 at the Circle of Life Legacy Lodge in Chariton Iowa. Mary was born February 9, 1921 in Lucas County the daughter of Albert W. Baker and Irene (Evans) Baker. She grew up in Lucas and graduated from Lucas High School.

On September 15, 1940, she married Glenn Ronald Israel at the Community of Christ Church in Chariton, formally the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, they were married 69 years. Mary was a kind, loving, and wonderful person who enjoyed hugs, she had many church friends that she loved and cared for deeply. She also loved traveling, crochet lap robes and pot holders, working cross puzzles, and reading books. She worked many places including Gross Galesburg in Chariton, Snowden in Osceola, typing at the City Hall, helping teachers in the County, working at the telephone office in Lucas making 10 cents an hour and selling Avon for many years. Family was the most important thing to Mary, the entire family would gather once a month for dinner to celebrate birthdays. There would be lots of laughter and many stories. Mother loved to talk about her home town.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn, brothers William J (Bill), Albert E. (Jake), Gerald E. Baker, sisters-in-laws Louise, Wilma and Evelyn Baker. Left to cherish her memories is her daughter Janice Heston and Son-in law Keith, who was like a son to her. Grandsons Lloyd Heston of Bondurant, Mark (Michelle) Heston of Woodburn and John Heston of Woodburn. Six great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, special friends Roland and Rochelle McKay from Fort Dodge, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends as well.

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