Mary E. Sjulin

Mary Ethelyn Sjulin, 89, of Ankeny, IA, formerly of Hamburg, IA, passed away peacefully on November 5th, 2019 after a brief stay at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, IA.

Mary Ethelyn Ross was born November 23rd, 1929 in Ames Iowa to Merl John Ross Sr. and Marjorie Ann (Pierce) Ross.  Mary graduated from Ames High School with the class of 1948 and attended Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. On September 3rd, 1950, she married Lawrence Sjulin, the love of her life.  They made their home in Hamburg, IA.  To this union four children were born: Eric, Bill, Chuck, and Laura.  Mary lived every day for the people she loved and lived her life to the fullest. Mary was a loving and delightful woman who devoted her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  She had a wonderful personality that would brighten up a room. Mary always had a warm and welcoming home for family and friends.

Mary was an active member of PEO, Eastern Star, Grape Community Hospital Auxiliary, Fremont County Golf Association, and Town and Country Bridge Club. Mary also was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, now known as the United Trinity Church, of Hamburg, IA where she was an Elder and active in many church groups.  When Mary found time away from local activities and the kids, she would accompany Larry, her husband, on the yearly nursery conventions.

Mary is survived by her four children: her sons Eric (Vicki) Sjulin of Hamburg, IA; Bill (Teresa) Sjulin of Ames, IA; Chuck (Deb) Sjulin of Sabetha, KS; and her daughter Laura (David) Stanley of Ankeny, IA; and her 10 grandchildren, Chad Sjulin, Amy Smith, Ryan Sjulin, Jason Sjulin, Whitney Holland, Sommer Hahn, Brandon Sjulin, Tristan Stanley, Tyler Stanley, & Rachel Teach; and her 17 great-grandchildren, Lucas Sjulin, Lila Sjulin, Anna Walters, Alex Diercks, Kaycie Binau, Chandler Sjulin, Dane Sjulin, Josh Sjulin, Lily Sjulin, Jackson Holland, Grace Hahn, Bella Hahn, Norah Hahn, Jack Sjulin,  Violet Sjulin, Wyatt Teach, & Walker Teach; and one great-great-grandchild; Sullivan Diercks.  She also survived by six step-grandchildren, 9 step-great-grandchildren, and 8 step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence Sjulin; her two brothers, Merl John Ross Jr., Richard Allen Ross, both of Ames, IA.

Visitation and Funeral will both be held on Saturday, November 30th, 2019 at the United Trinity Church in Hamburg, IA with the visitation starting at noon and the funeral beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at the Hamburg Cemetery.

In lieu of  flowers, memorials can be made to United Trinity Church of Hamburg, IA or the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, IA.  To view the full obituary, share a memory of Mary, or send a condolence to the family visit www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

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