Mary Taff Watkins died peacefully December 20, 2014 at the Green Hills Retirement Community in Ames, Iowa.

Mary lived nearly her entire life in Ames. She was born there on July 4, 1921, the daughter of Paul C. and Gertrude Carberry Taff. Mary was raised with her sisters Anne, Jeanne, and Marjory and her brother James at the family home on North Russell Avenue. She attended St. Cecilia's Grade School, graduated from Ames High School in 1939, and Iowa State College in 1943 with a B.S. in Home Economics.

Mary's son James L. Merrick, Jr. was a Navy pilot who was killed during the Viet Nam War in 1968 returning to the aircraft carrier USS Hancock after a mission. Mary's husband Burton H. Watkins also died in a tragic plane crash in 1985. Mary was greatly loved by her surviving family who admired her extraordinary ability to endure both of these tragedies. Relying on her strong faith, she went on to live a positive and fulfilling life, devoting herself largely to service to others.

From 1960 to 1981 Mary served as an Assistant Administrator at the McFarland Clinic in Ames. She was active in civic affairs and was a volunteer at Iowa State University. She was a long time board member of Youth and Shelter Services and was named a Trustee Emeritus when she retired. Mary belonged to PEO, Chapter LN and Ames Rotary Club, where she was a Paul Harris Fellow. She was a member of the Green Hills Retirement Community Board of Directors from 2006 to 2009. At Iowa State, Mary was a member of the Order of the Knoll, the Keystone Society, and was an enthusiastic supporter of athletics. She was an alumnae advisor to Pi Beta Phi sorority. Mary was a life-long member of the Ames Golf and Country Club and was an avid golfer. She also enjoyed meeting with her Book Club, Bridge Club, and Bible Study group.

Mary is survived by her sister Jeanne, fourteen devoted nephews and nieces, and a large number of grand and great-grand nephews and nieces. To her family she will always be remembered as our beloved Aunt Mary.

A memorial Mass for Mary Taff Watkins was held on April 25, 2015 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames, where she had worshiped since childhood.

Mary L Taff