Mary Sue (Marrs) Maly

July 18, 1944 - August 27, 2021

Mary Sue (Marrs) Maly, passed away on Friday evening 8/27/21 at the age of 77. She was surrounded by her family and through the grace of God transitioned peacefully to the next horizon. Mary Sue Marrs was born in Cheyenne Wyoming to Ulon & Louise Marrs on 7/18/1944. She has three older brothers: John, David and Steve Marrs. She grew up and graduated from Fort Dodge, and then attended Buena Vista College earning a teaching degree. At the age of 21, she married Vaughn L. Maly on June 18th 1966. They had 3 children: Heather Callaghan (Don), Shawn Sande (Kelle), and Nathan Maly. In 1973 they moved to Manson, Iowa so Vaughn could start his Chiropractic practice. Mary Sue Maly taught English, social studies, and history for close to 30 years at Fair Oaks and Phillips Middle Schools. She loved learning and returned to Drake University where she graduated with a Masters Degree, a Specialist Degree and all Doctoral Courses and exams completed. In 1992, she became the Director of Research, Development & Communication for Lakeland AEA. She wrote and won many grants for various districts. She ended her 43 year career in education after winning and overseeing a E2T2 grant. Moving back to Fort Dodge, she became active in the community and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. Mary Sue Maly was one of the most giving and generous people to everyone who knew her. She supported teachers, students, fellow Christians and programs that helped the greater good. You couldn’t walk into her home without leaving with something: a cookie jar, a bag of food, mints or even some well needed advice. She forged the way for women long before hashtags or movements. She redefined leadership by being an example for all women. She had unconditional love for everyone and earned the title “Mama Maly” by many. She was a wonderful Nana & Granny to Jacob Callaghan, Sidney Callaghan, Jacob Sande, Maria Sande, Julia Sande, and Evelyn Maly. She will be remembered by all, missed by many, and forgotten by none. Celebration of life will take place at the Presbyterian Church in Ft. Dodge on Friday September 3rd 5-8PM. Funeral services will also be at the Presbyterian Church on Saturday September 4th starting at 10:30 with a private family burial later in the day. First Presbyterian Church will livestream the memorial services at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/First-Presbyterian-Church-Fort-Dodge-336484236392840/ or YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/fpcfortdodge