Mari Ann Lash

Mari will be honored at a celebration of life at the First Presbyterian Church at 409 South Park Lane in Knoxville on Saturday November 26th from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Mari Lash Hospice Appreciation Fund at Valley Bank in Knoxville. At the first of the year, the funds will be used to express our gratitude to the nursing staff that showed exceptional care and kindness to Mari in her last days. Mari Ann Lash passed away peacefully at the Johnston Hospice on November 17th, 2011. Mari had been admitted to Mercy Hospital several weeks prior, due to a brain aneurysm. Mari was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on June 24th, 1951, and grew up in Knoxville. She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1969, and entered nurses training. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1972, and after a short period in the private sector, she entered the service of the United States Government as a registered nurse, working for the Veterans Administration in Knoxville. Although her retirement was far too short, she was proud to have retired earlier this year. As a single mother, she raised a daughter and a son, both of whom feel they never wanted for a father, as her love made up the difference. Mari enjoyed being outdoors, witty humor, exercise, wine, time with her friends, being a grandmother, Iowa Hawkeye football, and time with her family. Mari was preceded in death by her grandparents. She is survived by her parents, Irvin and JoAnn Massick of Knoxville, a son, Jonathan Thorup of Knoxville, a daughter, Anne Enderlin (Aaron) of Waukee, four grandchildren, two brothers, Dr. Kevin Massick of Des Moines, Mark Massick (Shalene) of Newton, and a myriad of devoted friends. The family wishes to thank Mari's friends, whom have been very supportive during this difficult and unexpected crisis.