Mary A. Raffety

Joe, Mary Jo, Leslie, Anita,
Mary was such a light in each day. We are so sorry she is gone but know that God had a special purpose for her in heaven. Just knowing Mary, she touched each and every person she came in contact with in a special way. Mary loved the Cubs! So I always knew if I wanted to talk about those darn Cubs, I would just have to walk next door. She always had something to say! I will miss seeing her and visiting with her; she was a wonderful woman and a great neighbor. Joe, take care of yourself.
Michelle Wibel and Ron Bratton

Dear Joe, Anita, Leslie, Mary Jo and all the Grandchildren;

Mary was my baby sister, who I loved and teased all the time. I was 8 when she was born (so pretty) and I helped Mom take care of her until she was old enough to box (2 years old). I taught her to fight by using a pillow as her opponent -she was tough! She saved my life when I was 17. I had been run over with a tractor and couldn't be seen from the house. I was laying on my back-losing breath-and whistled. She came and found me and said "what are you doing?" thinking I was teasing her again. I asked her to call Mom, which she did, Mom called the doctor and I am still here. I will miss her greatly but have many wonderful memories of my little sister.
Barb and I send our love and sympathy to you all.

Love,
Harlan and Barb

Joe, Anita, Leslie, Mary Jo, and all members of Mary's family. We have lost a friend and wonderful lady. She always had a smile on her face and never complained. One tough lady, who was so proud of her family. We will miss her terribly and our sincere sympathies are extended to everyone. We are thinking of you all. Our love, Al and Carmen Burch (Grinnell, Ia.)

There are so many years of memories it is impossible for me to pick just one!! Our meeting at a Bible Study in Manchester was one of the many of God's Blessings to us. Your smile & laughter were a delight to us all!! God Bless to all the family. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Karen Davis

The Bible Study in Manchester was a wonderful way to meet the Raffetys! We're praying for God's loving arms around you and the family, Joe, as you go on without Mary. Our love and prayers, Al and Ilona Durey (Manchester, Iowa)

Leslie and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Leslie, I know you said you were so close to your mother, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. Knowing your mom is in a place of peace, is so comforting. Although I never met your mom, I can only imagine she was a strong and passionate woman, just like her daughter! If you need anything, please ask!

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

To the family:
I am a friend of Mary Jo, Aubrey, and Issac, as is our family, Bo,Chaz, and Chuck, and my granddaughter, Anjolina. I want to offer our sincere condolences at this difficult time. It is so difficult to lose someone we love each day. The loss leaves a hole in our lives. I will think of you all often and you will remain in my daily prayers. All of us are concerned and care!
God's blessings to you all!

Mary was such a wonderful woman who loved her family. We know Mary is now in a place with no pain, giving all praise to her Lord and Savior. May the Comforter be with you now and in the coming days. Please let us know if there is anything you need. Love, Bernardo,Dawn,and Alicia Cuellar

Joe - we would like to extend our sympathies to you and your family. Mary was a sweet lady and will be missed by all. Our prayers are with you and may God give you peace.

Dear Joe and all,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You and Mary have always treated me just like one of the family and I treasured our (at least) annual trip to Pagliais when you were back in Grinnell. She will be greatly missed. Love to you all,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. Mary was a wonderful person whose smile and laughter were infectious. We will cherish all of our wonderful times together.

Joe,
Mary is a beautiful person, and I'm sure she's lighting all of heaven with her beautiful smile! Knowing her has been such a blessing. Our prayers are with you and your family.

May your memories give you strength during this time of loss and sadness. Mary was a great person with a lot of love and laughter in her heart. We will treasure our good times with her . Duane & Shirley Haight

Our condolences to the family . Our prayers are with you. Denny, Lynne and Courtney Ambriole in Tucson, Arizona.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Joe
We send you and your family our deepest sympathy. Mary was a wonderful person and
will be greatly missed by all of you.
Our memories started in Mankato, Mn .You met Mary and I met Tom. We have been blessed to keep our friendship all these years. Mary will be sadly missed by the two of us.

Tom and Diane Beach

What a wonderful woman, you will be greatly missed!
Love,
Jen (Nash), Ed, Carter and Ella Breuchaud

My sympathies to all of Mary's family. I have many fond memories of the times we spent golfing at Oakland Acres. She will always have a special place in my heart.

Joe and all,
Our hearts are breaking for you and the family. So many shopping trips, cook outs and always laughter. I will remember all Mary taught me, but she never got me to hit a golf ball straight!
Always in our hearts.
Jon and Annie Teague

Mary Jo,

Much condolences to you and your family. Although, I didn't know your mom that well, she seemed like a very sweet gal and a good mom. I am thinking and praying for you through this difficult time.

God Bless, Julie (and Joyce) Langham

You will be very missed Mary. We have had many good menories and laughs with you and Joe. Our prayers are with Joe and the girls and love you all.

We have lost a wonderful friend and Heaven has gained a wonderful person. Our love to your family. May God give you peace.

Shari and I want to extend our sincere sympathies to Joe and Family. We have far too many memories to begin to list here. We have shared triumphs, marriages, births and must now share the sorrow of the family loss. You will forever be in our thoughts and memories Mary. We love you.