Mary Virginia Schrock died Sunday, January 15, 2012 after a short battle with leukemia. Mary was surrounded by family and friends when she left us to join her family in heaven. Visitation will begin at 7 p.m., Thursday, at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, with a memorial service at 8:30.

Mary was born November 17, 1951 in Kimball, WV. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1969 and went on to become a beautician in Fort Dodge.

On May 27, 1978, Mary and Mike were married in Audubon. Several years later they moved to Missouri and later to Arizona. In later years, Mike and Mary moved back to Iowa, making their home in Des Moines.

Mary worked at Prairie Meadows and Target before becoming disabled.

These last years she enjoyed time with Mike and their dog, Bear and cat, Suki.

Through the years, Mary had some very special relationships. Mary Virginia never had a sister, but she and her cousin Karen were as close as any sisters could be. Mary had special bonds with Nicki, Nita, Mary and Jane and many others.

Mary is survived by her husband, Mike; sister-in-law, FloAnn Wills, Zeda (Larry) Smith, and Lois (Howard) Beck; brother-in-law, Ray (Vicki) Schrock; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael; her parents, Howard and Saint Wills; brothers, Pat and Cliff; great-niece, Alexa; brother-in-law, Curt Schrock; and her in-laws, Walter and Alice Schrock.

Free of pain – a little of Mary will be with each of us in our hearts forever. Mary you will not be forgotten.