Mary Margaret (Leibsle) Stephenson

Mary Margaret (Leibsle) Stephenson was born on August 11, 1920, in Marshalltown, Iowa. She was married to Walter Loren Stephenson, a WWII veteran (deceased). She was an excellent homemaker and manager of a beautiful country farm in Marshall County that previously belonged to her parents, Herman and Emma Leibsle, who retired to live in Melbourne, Iowa.

Mary was a hard-working gardener of homegrown vegetable and fruit, which she shared as delicious meals with family and friends.

She was an active participant at her church by arranging flowers from her own garden for services. Also, she baked Christmas wreaths shaped cinnamon rolls filled with homemade candy and personally delivered to the elderly and shut-ins.

Mary loved the arts and literature. She was a long-term member of the Marshalltown Community Concert Series and the Martha Ellen Tye Theatre. She was an avid literature lover of books, of visiting public libraries, and belonging to book clubs. Musically, she was a talented vocalist, who performed numerous events and in community theatre. Mary was also an active member of the Eastern Star Organization, where she served the community, and received the highest honor of Worthy Matron for many years.

A very multi-talented woman, Mary excelled in wedding cake baking and decorating, China painting, fashion design and sewing, and flower arranging with flowers from her garden.

Mary achieved so many activities in her 105, one month shy of 106-year life. She passed July 12, 2026.

She will be missed by the many people whose lives she has enriched with thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, and love. Her signature beautiful smile will always be remembered. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Marie Stephenson.

Per Mary’s wishes, cremation rites will take place. There will be no formal services. She will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to the family for a later designation.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Mary and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by family

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