Mary Wright

Mary Ella Wright, age 86, of Rochester, Minnesota, formerly of West Union, Iowa, passed away on March 19, 2024. She was born on December 10, 1937 in Maynard, Iowa to parents Frank and Lillian Whitney.

Mary graduated from high school in Maynard in 1956. On June 14, 1958, she married Tom Wright at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple initially made their home in West Union, before moving to Rochester in 1999. For the last four years, Mary resided at The Waters on Mayowood Assisted Living.

Her initial job was with the Iowa State Patrol as a driver's license examiner. She then worked for the Fayette County Assessor's Office until retirement. Mary spent many years as a volunteer EMT on the West Union ambulance crew. She enjoyed mushroom hunting, cooking, and baking assuring that no one went hungry. Above all, she treasured spending time with her beloved pets, family, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Tom, daughter Candace, brother, and sister-in-law; Charlie and Joyce Whitney, and twin sister and brother-in-law; Margaret and Karl Schaper.

Mary is survived by her sons Terry (Julie) Wright of Franklin, TN; Tom (Cindy) Wright of La Crescent, MN; daughter Shelly (Paul) Keller of Rochester MN; four grandchildren, Adam Wright (Natalia Rocafuerte), Amanda Wright, Lauren Keller (Dade) Mortimer, Alyssa Keller; and great-grandson Beckett Mortimer.

A visitation will be held 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at West Union United Methodist Church 301 Hansen Blvd, West Union, IA with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at West Union Cemetery, West Union, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Paws and Claws Humane Society of Rochester, Camp Companion of Rochester, or the Seasons Hospice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wright family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com