Mary Elizabeth Bishop, 78, of Keokuk, IA, passed away after a long, heart-breaking period of physical and mental decline inflicted on her by dementia, on Sunday, October 16, 2022. She was born on January 26, 1944 the daughter of Clifford & Etta (Barnes) Jairl. Mary married James Bishop on March 3, 1963 in Keokuk, IA. He preceded her in death on August 28, 2022. She was a lifelong area resident and worked various jobs throughout her life. She worked as an in-home babysitter, Evangelical Free Church secretary, and retired from Methode Electronics. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler and loved her bowling trips. She was a good cook and an avid dog lover. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was always there when her family needed her. She was very loved and will be missed terribly.
Mary is survived by: 2-Daughters: Marietta Palmer of Keokuk, IA & Patty (Brian) Steffensmeier of West Point, IA; 1-son: David Bishop of Keokuk, IA; 13-grandchildren, 6-great grandchildren and 1-sister-in-law: Gloria Brewster of Carthage, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2-granddaughters, 1-great granddaughter, aunts, uncles, cousins, 1-sister-in-law & 2-brother-in-laws.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory in Fort Madison. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk or Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Memorials may be sent to: Patty Steffensmeier, 2604 County Road 103, Fort Madison, IA 52627. Online condolences to Mary’s family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
