Mary Emma Hanson, the daughter of Boylston and Alta (Beaver) Whitney was born January 3, 1922, south of Villisca, in Page County, Iowa. She passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Accura HealthCare of Stanton, Stanton, Iowa, at the age of 99 years, 3 months and 16 days.

Mary was raised in the Hepburn and Clarinda, Iowa, area. She attended country school and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1939. Mary then attended Clarinda Junior College. She taught country school at Pine School, Orme School and Herzberg School, before going to work at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital. In 1944, Mary enrolled in Iowa Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines, where she graduated with her RN degree in 1947, and returned to Clarinda Municipal Hospital for two years. On November 19, 1949, Mary was united in marriage to Howard E. Hanson in Clarinda, and they made their home on their farm south of Stanton. Mary continued working in the nursing field part-time while their children were younger. In the 1980's, Mary began working at the Stanton Care Center, and in 1981, she and Howard moved into Stanton. Mary enjoyed gardening and growing flowers, sewing, and solving crossword and Sudoku puzzles. She enjoyed traveling with Howard, especially to Colorado. Mary was a member of the Mamrelund Lutheran Church, serving on the council and several other committees. She was active with the American Legion Auxiliary, Stanton Senior Center, Stanton Industrial Foundation, Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation, and worked many years with the Red Cross Blood Mobile.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard on July 28, 1999; son-in-law, Barry Erickson and sister, Louise Jackson.

Mary is survived by three children: Christine Erickson of Overland Park, KS, Renée (Gary) Rhamy of Alton, IA and Todd (Pam) Hanson of Maple Plain, MN; 10 granddaughters; 22 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
At Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, IA
Burial in Mamre Cemetery, Stanton
Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli, Officiating

Visitation with the family will be held Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Mamrelund Lutheran Church from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Mamrelund Lutheran Church, 410 Eastern Ave, Stanton, IA 51573

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.