Mary Ellen McNamara

Mary Ellen McNamara, 95, a longtime rural Spring Valley,MN resident died on Tuesday(January 23, 2024) surrounded by family, of natural causes at Spring Valley Living Center.

Mary Ellen Yetter was born November 22, 1928 to Harry Sr. and Mary (Baier) Yetter in Chatfield. She grew up on the family farm, attended country school and Chatfield HS graduating in1946. She worked at NW Bell Telephone in Mankato,MN as an operator before her marriage. Mary Ellen was married on May 31, 1949 at Evangelical United Brethern Church in Racine,MN to Lyle McNamara. Following their marriage the couple lived on the McNamara Family Farm where they raised their children.  Mary Ellen was a farm wife on a Century Farm who had huge vegetable and flower gardens.  She made beautiful flower arrangements. She made all their meals from scratch and was famous for her buns, cinnamon rolls, and sour cream raisin pies which were highly sought after at church auctions.  She was an active member of Sumner Center United Methodist church, it’s Women's group and was an adult Sunday School teacher.  She was a member of the  Spring Valley American Legion Post 68 Auxiliary and was a Gold Sister with the Stewartville American Legion Post 64. She belonged to the Spring Valley Garden Club, and neighborhood Homemakers and Birthday Clubs. She and Lyle were avid card players in 500 card clubs thru the years. Mary Ellen enjoyed reading and her Bible was well worn. She also enjoyed listening to music, embroidery and painting pictures. She liked visiting with friends and neighbors and loved time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, playing many games and cards,  reading and coloring with them.  She always fed the birds throughout the long winters and one of her grandsons has decided to carry on in her honor.

Mary Ellen is survived by 1 daughter  and 4 sons - Patricia LaRose of Spring Valley; Joe of Grand Meadow,MN; Glen (Jean) of rural Spring Valley;  John (Karen) of Rochester,MN, and Wayne of rural Spring valley,MN; 13 grandchildren -  Ryan LaRose, Clint (Alicia) LaRose, Andy LaRose, Brandy Thomas, Brenda LaRose, Christine McNamara, Jennifer McNamara, Ashley McNamara, Doug (Jenny) McNamara, Brian (Bethany) McNamara, Amanda (Tim) Wolfgram and David Bain, and Katrina (Charlie) Hain:  19 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandsons; 1 sister-  Harriet (Tom) Lovhaug of  Rochester; brother-in-law -Doug Rud of Rochester,MN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle in 2003, granddaughter Tonya,  her parents,  her sisters - Illa Rud and infant sister – Joyce and brothers Harry Yetter Jr. and James Yetter.  

Memorials may be directed to Billy Graham, American Bible Society or a Christian organization of your choice.  Mary Ellen wants everyone to go to heaven. 

A Funeral service for Mary Ellen will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday (January 27, 2024) at Faith United Methodist Church in Spring Valley,MN with Rev. Jon Marburger officiating. Burial will follow at Sumner Millett Cemetery in Sumner Twsp. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Friday (January 26, 2024) at Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville,MN and 1 hr. prior to the service at Faith United Methodist Church on Saturday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Memories and condolences of Mary Ellen are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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