Mary C. Gift

A remarkable life has ended at 98 years as Mary Catherine Gift transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Grandview Heights Rehab and Healthcare in Marshalltown. Mary was born in Des Moines on April 24, 1921, the only child of Waldo and Bessie Marie Hiltburner. After her parents’ divorce, Mary and her mother lived with grandparents George and Vessie Dickson in the Drake neighborhood. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in January of 1938 and took classes at Drake and Guthrie County High School in Panora. She met future husband, Robert Gift, at a band concert in Panora. The couple married in 1940, made their home on a farm near Yale, and welcomed their only child, Judy, in 1943. Mary and Robert forged a new adventure by leaving behind a life of farming and by purchasing Shady Oaks Mobile Home Park in 1965. They enjoyed 57 years together until Robert’s passing in 1998. Mary was the voice and ambassador of the Big Treehouse for over 30 years, enjoying her time by welcoming guests from near and far. She was blessed with a keen eye for beauty, and her flair for decorating the Treehouse was undeniable. Mary was a passionate photographer who created multimedia slide shows for all to see in the Marshalltown area. She was a prolific author who published books on her experiences of growing up in Des Moines, the history of Panora/Lake Panorama, and the history of Shady Oaks/Rock Valley. Mary was considered a local historian by many in Marshall County. Mary enjoyed being part of social groups. She was a founding member of Camera Club and also belonged to Garden Club, Pachyderm, Eastern Star, Lincoln Highway Association, Marshall County Historical Association, and Daughters of the American Revolution (60 years member). This independent and determined lady was only defeated when her loss of sight got the best of her. Mary was preceded in death by her mother, grandparents, and husband. She is survived by daughter Judy Jurgensen; grandson Michael (Liz) Jurgensen, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Per her wishes, Mary has been cremated and Memorial Services will be held at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM. A private burial of cremains will be held at a later date in Dallas Center. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to remember Mary by donating to a charity of their choice. Online condolences may be left at www.mitchellfh.com .