Author: Allison Jacobs

Mary Ann Downey, 69, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, October 15, 2023 at her residence.

Mrs. Downey, the former Mary Ann Young, was born March 27, 1954 in Mt. Pleasant, IA. She was the daughter of James Fletcher and Signa Irene (Sandquist) Young.

She attended school in Mt. Pleasant.  On June 19, 1997 in Mt. Pleasant, Mary was united in marriage to Lloyd Harper Downey. Mr. Downey died January 5, 2003.

Mary worked as Psychiatric Aide for the Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Institute from 1976 until her retirement. She had a thirst to learn and was especially astute to read and study her bible. She loved to sing and was known to break out in song at about any time. As Mary suffered from Addison’s Disease, she was proud of the accomplishments she made despite the limitation the disease inflicted upon her.

Those thankful for sharing in Mary’s life include her mother, Signa Housel Brandmeyer of Mt. Pleasant; a brother – William J. Young of Mt. Pleasant; a sister and her husband, Carla and Mark Johnson of Council Bluffs, IA. Mary is also survived by her husband Lloyd’s children and their families.

Per Mary’s request, there will be no funeral service. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, which is assisting the family with the arrangements. On-line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Shirley L. Hummell Mitchell, 90, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, September 14, 2023 at her residence.

Shirley Louise was born January 11, 1933 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Raymond Perry and Thelma Louise (Wright) Scott. She was raised near Belfast (a former community north of Rome) and attended school in Rome. On February 18, 1951 in Mt. Pleasant, Shirley was united in marriage to Arnold LuVern Hummell. Mr. Hummell preceded in death on February 14, 1993. Shirley then married John Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell preceded in death as well.

Shirley was a longtime homemaker who also did babysitting for many people. She assisted her husband Arnold with the Hummell Tree Service. Shirley was a member of the Trenton United Methodist Church where she was an active volunteer for funeral dinners and other meals as well as the Red Barn and Souvenir Stand which the church operated at Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post #2561 helping with the Poppy Sales for many years. In her spare time, Shirley was a collector of many things, and loved attending yard sales and auctions.

Those thankful for sharing in Shirley’s life include 2 sons – Kelley Hummell of Boone, IA and Mike Hummell and his wife Donna Marie of Eldon, IA; a daughter-in-law, Ruby Hummell of Mt. Pleasant; 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Her parents, both husbands, a son – Tim Hummell, a daughter-in-law, Christine Hummell, and 2 siblings – Donald Scott and Martha Hatch, precede Shirley in death.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 8 PM on Thursday, September 21 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM on Thursday. A funeral service for Shirley will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 22 at the Trenton United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeffery A. McPheron officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery, rural Rome, IA.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Trenton United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com