Mary Gerdes, 94, of Rushville died at 4:11 p.m. May 12, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria.Mary Gerdes, 94, of Rushville died at 4:11 p.m. May 12, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria.
She was born July 12, 1930, in Rushville, a daughter of Cleve Sr. and Bernice Morris Jones. She married Dale Lee Strong in Rushville on Sept. 25, 1949, who preceded her in death and then married Raymond “Ike” George Gerdes on Oct. 27, 1979, in Golden. He also preceded her in death.
She also was preceded in death by one son, Benny Ray Strong; nine siblings, Morris (Mutt), Paul, Dean, Bernice, Cleve Jr. (Bud), Bessie, Pearl, Elizabeth (Liz) and Irilla; and one grandson, Ryan Michael Strong.
Surviving are one daughter, Marian (and Larry) Rohn of Rushville; three grandchildren, Eric Ford (and Rohamah), Tami Havens (and Todd) and Benji Strong (and Julie); and seven great-grandchildren.
She started her career as a legal secretary for Doane Trone Law Office in Rushville until his retirement and then was a legal secretary for Charles Burton Law Office in Rushville until her retirement. She helped at the County Recorder’s Office and was immersed in City and County Government.
She was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ.
A Funeral Service was held Sunday at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with minister Levi Vincent officiating. Burial was at Rushville City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice or the Culbertson Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus