Mardelle Willey

Mardelle Willey (McCollister), 90, passed away at the Saint Francis Manor in Grinnell, Iowa surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be Friday, May 20th at 10:30 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home, with a visitation held on Thursday, May 19th, from 6-8:00p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For condolences please feel free to contact www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Mardelle and her family. Born on March 18, 1926, in Tama, Iowa to the loving parents James and Eva (Atcher) McCollister. Mardelle grew up in the Toledo Community and graduated from the Toledo High Schools Class of 1944. On March 23, 1944, in Grundy Center, Iowa, she was united in marriage to Rufus Willey. They made their home at Toledo for many years raising 5 children. Mardelle was employed at Marshall Office Supply and retired after 25 years. When she wasnt spending her time helping at the Methodist church in Toledo teaching Sunday school she could be found outside tending to her flowers and garden. The fruits of her labor paid off from the garden; Mardelle was a tremendous cook and loved to share her ability with all of her family. When the summer came Rufus and Mardelle would travel to Colorado and ride the train from Silvertown to Durango while enjoying the scenic views. The two loved to travel even if it was just a short car ride over to Ledges State Park in Boone, or the bridges of Madison County. The two raised five children that they couldnt have been more proud of. Left to celebrate her life are her five children: Ron (Sharon) Willey of Waukee, Linda (Don) Ahrens of Grinnell, Jim (Debbie) Willey of Marshalltown, Mark (Phyllis) Willey of Dade City, FL, and Loren (Deanna) Willey of Tama, 34 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren and a host of friends all who remember this well-dressed woman and never-ceasing smile. In death, Mardelle rejoined her husband of 67 years Rufus her three brothers, parents James and Eva, grandson Steven Michael Ahrens and great-grandson Zachary Kyle Reneud.