Mary Landhuis

  Mary Alice Landhuis peacefully passed on September 15, 2024 surrounded by family that she loved dearly.  She was born in November of 1935 in Ogden, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Clara Smith.  

  Mary graduated from Grand Junction High School (IA) in the class of 1953.  She went on to study at McPherson College (KS), graduating in 1957 with a dual BA in Education and History.  She was named to the Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society.  She married Dr. Leo Landhuis in June of 1957, a marriage that lasted 24 years.  She taught PE and English at Wellman Secondary (IA) school before the birth of her first child.

 She continued her education at Stephens College (MO) graduating with a BS in Computer Science and a BA in Biology in 1984.  Her excellence in her studies earned her a spot in the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society.  Mary was a member of the Trinity Presbytery Church of Columbia, MO for over 50 years.  She served on many church committees including Chairperson for The Wardrobe volunteers, Chairperson on the Mission Committee and was an advocate in bringing a Habitat for Humanity affiliate to Columbia.  

 She was an active quilter and she brought joy to many with quilts and comforters for occasion including weddings, newborns and dorm rooms.  She could always be found handing out her many holiday craft decorations during Advent to service attendees.  Mary was a prolific reader, before disease ravaged her eyesight, such that all the Columbia Regional Library staff knew her by first name.  She was an avid supporter of her children’s school and sports activities, as well as a fan of the local sports teams.  She was longtime season ticket holder and supporter of the Stephens College music and drama programs.

 In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her two brothers, Delbert and Harold.  She is survived by her sister, Etha; children, Louis, Mark, Laura (Ron), Mary Jane (Brad); four grandchildren, James (Chase), Jessica, William and Addison; and one great grandchild, Bennett.  

  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Adel Chapel with family greeting friends one hour prior beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the American Diabetes Association.