Mary Margaret Yager, 87

May 1, 1931 —

May 3, 2018

 

Riceville - Mary Margaret (Jennison) Yager, age 87, of Riceville, Iowa took her final stroll to the great schoolhouse in the sky on May 3, 2018.

Funeral services for Mary were held on May 7, 2018 at United Methodist Church in Riceville. Burial was held at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Mary was born on May 1, 1931, the eldest daughter of Lloyd and Margaret (Benson) Jennison. Throughout her entire life, Mary was first and foremost a teacher. Helping to raise her siblings on the family farm north of Riceville, she taught her brothers and sisters the virtues of a happy, song-filled life. 

Her greatest passion was in teaching, in particular, teaching the English language to those who struggled with reading and writing. Mary taught hundreds of children to read and write in both Riceville and Stacyville, Iowa and tutored dozens of others, referring to many as “one of my third graders.” She was a pioneer in the use of Orton Gilliam phonics and transformed the lives of many who struggled with dyslexia. 

Mary loved to read and was adeptly skilled at the game of “UpWords.” Her kind words and thoughtful ways will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary is survived by her son, Tim (Jenny) Yager of Wabasha, Minn.; her daughter, Susan (Patrick Fouts) Yager of Chippewa Falls, Wis.; two brothers, Sam Jennison and Steve Jennison; her sister, Jane Elliott; seven grandchildren; seven great-grand- children; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. 

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, “Gie;” her father, “Ginny;” an infant sister, Anne; her brother, Charlie; her sister, Jean; and her beloved husband, Keith.

Memorials may be made out to the Riceville Public Library or Riceville Community Schools.

Online condolences may be left at www.HindtHudekfuneralhomes.com.