Mary Josephine Koehler

Mary J. Koehler, 80, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, February 28, 2004 in Mt. Ayr, IA. Services will be 10 am Wednesday, March 3rd at George C. Carson & Sons Funeral Home; with interment in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 pm at the funeral home. Mary was born September 13, 1923 in Independence, MO to John and Idell Turner. She was the oldest girl of 13 children, and lived in Independence most of her life. In 1945 she married Lawrence Marion Joe. To this union four children were born. She worked hard all her life and never knew a stranger. After her divorce, she married Leslie Koehler of St. Joseph, MO in October 1963. To this union stepchildren were added. Mary treated them as her own. Still working, she also raised two grandsons for several years. Mary moved back to Independence in 1981. She continued working in a grocery store, Drugs for Less, and ToysRUs until her retirement. Mary had recently moved to Mount Ayr, IA close to her daughter Linda because of failing health. She went into Clearview Nursing Home on February 3, 2004 where she was until her death. She was always helping someone and really enjoyed life. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Kelly Sue, sister, Emma; brothers, Merle and Tommie; son-in-law, Larry. Left to mourn her are her children, John Joe and wife Nancy, Linda King, Sharon Pendleton and husband Bud, Jerry Joe and wife Brenda; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, friends, and extended family.