Mary Ann Crippen, 93, of Merrill, Iowa, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025, at MercyOne Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Reverend James Travis will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday and following the service during at time of lunch and fellowship, all at the funeral home. Arrangements are with the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be made, in care of the family, to the Merrill Ambulance and Mid-Sioux Opportunity.

Mary Ann (Blackmore) Crippen was born December 7, 1931 around the Hinton area to Walter and Hedvig Blackmore. Mary grew up at the family farm and graduated from Hinton High School. Soon after, she married Robert Crippen on April 27, 1951 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Merrill, Iowa. She enjoyed a fulfilling career of over 40 years at Head Start in LeMars, where she lovingly prepared meals for both adults and preschool children. She was hard working and dedicated to all the various jobs she held. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, neighbor, and friend, dedicating her life to caring for others. Mary passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Mary found joy in simple pleasures: cooking delicious meals, playing cards and games with family-winning most, watching her favorite television programs, listening to music, enjoying ice cream, and embarking on adventures with her children. She was a kind and loving soul, filled with laughter, wisdom, and the guidance that comes with a long and well-lived life.

She is survived by her children: Diane Zalme, Sandra Crippen, Susan (Bob) Lambert, Randy (Lorrie) Crippen, and Teresa Crippen; grandchildren: Mark Zalme, Jennifer Kirkbride, Candi Martin, Steven Lyons, Melissa Lederer, Brittany Lambert, Jim Crippen, Eric Crippen, Kayla Crippen, Chay Ruby, and Brody Ruby; and great-grandchildren: Chance Crippen, Grace Crippen, Brady Martin, Braylin Kirkbride, Wrigley Zalme, Maddie Zalme, Maxwell Ruby, Fiona Ruby, and Jack Lederer; and sister-in-law Viola Blackmore.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Hedvig Blackmore; 11 siblings; her husband, Robert Crippen; and her son-in-law, Duane Zalme

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She said several times her secret to longevity was "all things in moderation."