Mary Landt Allen

On Friday, November 21st, Mary Landt Allen, 84, peacefully entered into Heavenly rest after a courageous battle with dementia.

Mary Louise Roskopf was born December 15th of 1940 to parents Lorence and Emarine and older brother Robert. The family lived in Melbourne, where Mary became a lifelong resident. She graduated from Melbourne High School in 1958, where she met the forever love of her life, Larry Landt. She went on to attend AIB, studying bookkeeping. Mary and Larry endured the lifestyle of the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. The two were wed on April 18, 1959 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Melbourne. Upon completion in the service, Larry and Mary settled on their farm south of Melbourne, growing corn and raising hogs. Here they welcomed two children, Beverly and Jerry "Boomer". She was a devout farm wife and mother. In the early 80's, she went to work as a bookkeeper at Fisher Controls and then to Southard's Implement, where she retired from after ~25 years.

Larry went to be with the Lord in 1986. She was later married to Jim Allen. Mary loved all things music, and particularly had a passion for playing the piano. She spent many years as the worship pianist at St. John's United Church of Christ in Melbourne. Even as her memory declined, she could compose beautifully. She could often be found with her nose in a book and a pocketful of peppermints, humming a melodious tune. She embodied the phrase, "sharp as a tack". She was a faithful Christian who couldn't hurt a fly if she tried. And a champion of dessert first.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of her son, Boomer (Stephanie) Landt, her son-in-law, Tom Landt-Rider, her grandchildren; Barry Landt-Rider, Jordan (Taymon) Ayers, Macy (Nathan) Casady, and great granddaughter, Marley Casady. And through her marriage to Jim, sons, Mike (Rebecca) Allen, Scott (Julie) Allen, and grandchildren, Selena, Mercedes and John Allen.

In Heaven, she's reunited with the love of her life, Larry, her daughter, Beverly, her parents and her brother.

The family would like to commend the staff of Westbrook Acres and Hospice Compassus for their care and compassion towards Mary.

A visitation to celebrate the life of Mary is planned for Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Memorials in Mary’s name may be directed to either the St. John United Church of Christ in Melbourne or the Melbourne Public Library. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.