Mary Elizabeth LaRue died Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at the Denver Sunset Home at the age of 96. She was born July 20, 1922 the daughter of Joseph and Hazel Furino. She attended grade school at St Patrick Catholic School and graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1940. After graduation, Mary worked in a chocolate shop in Cedar Falls where she met her future husband George LaRue. They were married December 5, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota while George was on leave from the U.S. Army before serving in Germany and France during WWII. After George came home in 1945 they lived in California for a short time after their son was born. They then returned back to Iowa and settled in Raymond.
Mary worked as a secretary at the American Can Company, Fagen Electric and the Waterloo Savings Bank. She was awarded Secretary of the Year by the National Secretarial Association in 1960. George and Mary then owned and operated LaRue’s Muffler and Brake Shop for many years prior to their retirement.Mary and George were married 38 years before George passed away in 1980. Mary continued to live in Raymond until age 91 when she moved to Parkview Assisted Living in Fairbank, IA. She enjoyed working in her yard, reading, embroidering, working crossword or jigsaw puzzles and was very active in her church. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her religion.
Mary will be deeply missed by her son Craig (Dianne) LaRue of Denver, 3 grandchildren; Lisa (Mark) Sage of Cedar Falls, Scott (Susi) LaRue of Readlyn, Melanie (Shawn) Mastin of Waterloo, 3 great grandchildren; Vince(Emily) LaRue, Julia LaRue and Isabel LaRue all of Readlyn, 2 step grandchildren; Brad Mastin and Luke Mastin of Waterloo, a sister Antoinette DeGear of Springfield MO, sisters-in-law, Byrdena Furino of Anamosa and Jean Furino of Santa Barbara, CA, along with several nieces and nephews and a close friend Diane (Del) Drilling of Raymond.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, two brothers, Henry and Joe, two sisters Caroline and Camilla, and nephew Eddie McDonald.
Funeral Services: 10:30 am Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Raymond.
Visitation: 9:00-10:30 am Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Raymond.
Memorials: may be directed to the family.
Condolences for Mary Elizabeth LaRue
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF SUCH A GREAT LOSS IN YOUR FAMILY..I HADN’T SEEN MARY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I HAD WORKED FOR THE LARUES AT NEITA RACEWAY AND SPENT MANY HOURS AT THE MUFFLER SHOP TALKING RACING..MARY WAS ALWAYS A VERY PLEASANT PERSON AND ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING HER,,,RIP..CHAD VAN DYKE
Neil and I send you and your family our deepest condolences upon the death of Mary. Mary was always so kind to both of us. I remember (before I even knew) Mary told me I was pregnant. I was, it was Rachel.
Wishing you support from your faith and family.
Neil and Julianne Kahn
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers for all of you. I’m sure she was a special grandma to all of the LaRue children.
Blessings,
Ruth Niemann
Mary was my Aunt and part time Mother. So many great memories. She is with God!
Craig and Family; Mark and I send our Deepest Sympathy to each of you. So many wonderful memories with your folks. The best of years! God Bless.