Mary Dean Koeber, 95, of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, December 13, 2023 in the presence of family at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Mary was born in Columbia, MO to Ora Katie Dodson and Homer Eugene Snell on November 18, 1928. She married Paul M. DeLaney on August 26, 1944. He preceded her in death on September 15, 1970.
She married Edward Koeber on January 17, 1975. He preceded her in death on March 27, 2009.
Mary owned and operated DeLaney’s Cleaners both with her husband and later continued after her husband’s death. She then owned and operated Karmelkorn in the Keosippi Mall for several years with Ed Koeber. She later studied and got her real estate license and sold single family homes for a few years. Mary was honored by the Business and Professional Women’s organization.
Mary moved to Columbia, MO with her daughters in 2009 after the death of Ed Koeber. Then in 2019, she moved back to Keokuk with her daughters, Cynthia DeLaney and Fabiane DeLaney.
Mary enjoyed traveling, especially to Maui, Hawaii. She also enjoyed Ana Maria Island, Florida. She loved flying with her husband, Paul and took flying lessons with him. They also joined a couple’s bowling league. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, music and she made CDs for the family. She was a good dancer and loved dancing with her husband, Paul.
She was devoted to family and loved attending monthly family dinners with her daughters and sisters. An avid baseball fan, she loved the St. Louis Cardinals. She also enjoyed watching football and her favorite team was the Kansas City Chiefs. She was especially fond of the family dog, Teddy and asked to see him before she died. The hospital was able to accommodate that request.
She is survived by her sister Sallie Halley, daughters Cynthia DeLaney and Fabiane DeLaney, her son Greg DeLaney, daughter-in-law Ann DeLaney, granddaughters Gail Hark, Caitlin Cecchini (Alex), Deanna James (Jason), Maryanne Johnson Gautier (Joshua), Dawn Ketterer, Clare Cecchini, her grandsons James Polston (Carolyn) Josh Cruz (Rachel), Frank Ketterer, Jr., Gabriel Cecchini, Zachary Cecchini, her great-grandchildren Angie Cowden (Chris), Douglas Rudd, Benjamin James (Malorie), Caleb James, Will James, Mia James, Alexandra Cruz-Wu(Ellen), Nora Martin, Grace Cruz and Josh Cruz, Jr., Emily Williams, Aubree Martinez, Alexandra Wishart, Hailey Wishart, great-great-grandchildren Guinevere Cruz, Rose James, Taylor Cowden, Tucker Cowden and Trenton Cowden.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul DeLaney, her husband Ed Koeber, daughters Mildred DeLaney, Paula Ketterer and Tanya DeLaney, her son Paul DeLaney, Jr., granddaughters Becky Pryor and Debbie Ketterer Carroll, six siblings Edith Bartmes, James Snell, Robert Snell, Homer Snell, Katie Moore and Norma Robb.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, December 23, 2023 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Bob Brandhagen officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, Saturday, from 12 noon – 1 p.m., at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.
Memorials may be made to a local food bank of the donor’s choice or to Meals on Wheels.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
