Mary Gerst

Mary Marguerite (McClure) Gerst, 90, of West Burlington, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at her home in West Burlington, surrounded by her family.

Born Sept. 5, 1935, in Mount Pleasant, she was the daughter of Carlos and Mildred (Fields) McClure.

Mary worked for 31 years at the Champion Spark Plug Company in Burlington. She was a hard worker who loved her family deeply. Mary was known for her cooking and her pies, both of which disappeared quickly when her children and grandchildren were with her.

She loved her grandchildren and was so proud of their achievements. Mary loved cheering them on at their various sporting events and watching their school plays and functions. She looked forward to playing cards with her grandchildren and friends.

Gardening brought peace to Mary. She enjoyed tending her garden, and in later years, running an apple orchard (R&M Orchard) with her husband, Raymond. Their orchard was known for their apples and cider. Mary looked forward to shopping trips with her friends, visiting her family in Texas, taking in a Hawkeye game, and having a weenie roast with the grandchildren.

Mary's kindness, love of life, and comforting presence will be missed deeply. Her memory and legacy will continue to be carried by her family and friends.

Survivors include her children, Becky McRee of Carrollton, Texas, Vicki Parrott of West Burlington, and Bob (Ron) Booth of Iowa City; grandchildren, Jeremy Yaeger, Abby (Brandon) Burrus, Kolton (Kara) Booth, Landry (Chris) Dorf, Klayton (Lindsay) Booth, and Meg (Connor) Kidd; great-grandchildren, Kay'Lynn Yaeger, Owen Whitaker, Emma Whitaker, Adessa Yaeger, Rhett Booth, and Shepherd Dorf; siblings, Joan Messer, Richard McClure, Betty Burden, Phyllis "Pud" Scarff, and John (Julie) McClure; two stepchildren and several stepgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Raymond; siblings, Ronald "Bill" McClure and Margaret Ann McClure; and her parents, Carlos and Mildred.

Mary's family will receive guests for visitation from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.

The funeral service for Mary will be 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Pastor Nancy Sutherland officiating. Mary will be laid to rest in White Oak Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to either the Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice House or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Mary's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.