Mary Lynne Bearden, 86

Mary Lynne Bearden, 86, of Gladbrook, IA, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook. Memorial services were held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Gladbrook United Methodist Church in Gladbrook, IA. A visitation was held at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. The family invites you to a light meal served at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. Anderson Funeral Homes of Gladbrook has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Mary Lynne was born on April 29, 1936, to Lewis “Leonard” and Ferne Cooper in Toledo, IA. She graduated from Toledo High School in 1954 and afterward went on to Airline School in Minneapolis. Upon completion of her training, she worked for Northwest Airlines in the billing department until she married the love of her life, Chuck. Mary Lynne and Chuck had a beautiful love story that began with their first date attending a movie in 1953. They were married on June 9, 1957, and had 65 years of raising their family, working together and making memories.

Mary Lynne enjoyed baking and sharing her baked goods. Her brownies are a favorite of many. She also liked to make chocolate ice cream rolls for birthdays and other special occasions. She enjoyed a variety of activities and was Chuck’s partner in Bearden’s Store for over 30 years. She was a member of the Gladbrook United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Gladbrook Women’s Club and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Staying busy, Mary Lynne was also a member of the Gladbrook Commercial Club, working on many projects, especially Corn Carnival. Mary Lynne served as both a Girl Scout and a Boy Scout leader. She also helped with ticket sales for the Martha Ellen Tye Playhouse in Marshalltown.

Mary Lynne and Chuck enjoyed traveling. They visited many places and spent several winters in Sedona, AZ. Most trips included a stop in Branson to enjoy some musical shows, either at the beginning of the trip or the end of the trip ? or both!

Mary Lynne will be missed by her husband, Chuck; two children, Mike Bearden, of Gladbrook, IA; Lynnette (Tom) Gross, of Greenville, IA; five grandchildren: Dan (Bridget) Bearden, of Ankeny, IA, Rachel (Andrew) Towey, of Pella, IA, Mitchell Gross, of Greenville, IA, Nicholas Gross, of Milford, IA, Christopher Gross, of Milford, IA; six great-grandchildren: Emily, John, and Connor Bearden, of Ankeny, IA, Shivaun Towey, of Pella, IA, Lennon and Bridger Gross, of Spencer, IA; and special friends Don and Carolyn Anker, of Gladbrook, IA, and Lori Bearden, of Ames, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a stillborn brother, Allen Cooper.