Mary Elizabeth Immel

Mary Elizabeth Immel, 58, Clive, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at her home, surrounded by family. She did not let her battle with ovarian cancer diminish her joy of life. In the 19 months after diagnosis, Mary enjoyed two of her daughters' weddings, the birth of her first grandchild, and trips to Austin, Ft. Lauderdale, Seattle, and Disney World. Mary was born November 2, 1954, to Norval and Merna Norris in Davenport, Iowa. She graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1972, and Iowa State University in 1976. She married the love of her life, Tim Immel on September 15, 1979. Tim and Mary have lived in Minneapolis, Charlotte, Suburban DC, and Chicago as well as eight years in Jefferson City, Mo., where her two older daughters graduated from high school. Most recently, they have lived in Clive, Iowa where her two younger daughters graduated from Valley High School. Mary is survived by her husband of 33 years, Tim Immel and their four children, Katie Immel, Julia Immel, Caroline (Matt) Wheeler, and Jane (Tim) Peterson; one grandchild, Charlotte Marie Wheeler. She is also survived by a sister, Kathleen Bryant of Newton, Iowa; many brothers and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and best friend of 50 years, Claire Craven of Waukee. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Norval and Merna Norris of Bettendorf, Iowa, and also her brother-in-law, Charles Bryant. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Totally Teal Toast; an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Fundraiser at totallytealtoast.com, or checks can be mailed to the Marsha Rivkin Center, 801 Broadway, Suite 701 Seattle, WA 98122. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, January 21, at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Visitation will be at Hamilton's on Sunday, January 20, from 5-7.