Mary Ann Richey, age 94, of Morrison, IL, went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 3, 2022, at Morrison.
Mary Ann was born January 13, 1927, in Dayton, IA, to Latimer F. Newstrand and Bessie (Leach) Newstrand. She was educated in the Dayton schools and graduated from Dayton High School. She married Virgil M. Richey, a Marine Gunnery Sergeant, recently returned from the Pacific. They were married for 16 years. She never remarried.
Mary Ann spent her working life in the automotive industry. She was the long-time Office Manager for Mills Chevrolet of Moline, IL. In 1973 she moved to Encino, CA, then known as the “world’s largest car lot,” to take a similar position. For the next two decades she ran the offices of a number of southern California dealerships. She was a tireless worker, a perfectionist, and totally self-made. She prided herself in the fact that no one ever gave her anything.
In her retirement Mary Ann settled first in Temecula, CA, then at Sun City Shadow Hills in Indio, CA. She maintained her house and yard with a passion. She was a hopeless dog lover.
Mary Ann is survived by a son, Lon (Carol) Richey of Morrison; grandchildren, Christine (Steve Yahn) Richey, D.V.M., of Fair Oaks, CA, and John (Whitney) Richey, M.D., of Florence, SC; three beautiful great-grandchildren, Noelle Yahn, Dante Yahn, and Bennett Richey; special friends, Mike and Kim Heisinger of Parkston, SD.
Mary Ann was predeceased in death by her parents; brother, Calvin Newstrand; sister, Doris (Gifford) Smith; brother, Richard in infancy; beloved and faithful dog, Gypsy.
At her request, Cremation rights were afforded.
A Family Service will be held in Dayton, IA, at a later date.