Mary Van Syoc

Mary Van Syoc, 74, passed away Wednesday, April 11 at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Mary was born June 4, 1932 in Chariton, Iowa to John Willard and Dorothy Vickroy Reeves. She attended elementary and middle school in Chariton until moving to Milo where she played High School Basketball. She was married to Willard B. Van Syoc in Cool, Iowa on Jne 12, 1949. Mary and Willard 'Willie' owned the Grocery Store in Milo for several years, they also farmed near Van Wert, and moved to Weldon in the 70's. She enjoyed to go dancing with her friends, enjoyed Blue Grass music, the Lawrence Welk Show, and RFDTV and the Big Joe Polka Show. There is a collection of fabrics in her house that most would be impressed by, as she loved sewing and quilting and made most of the family's clothes. The children also remember her and Willie buying a home and fixing it up while living there and then selling it and buying another fixer-upper. She enjoyed traveling and camping; and she loved donkeys. She was an independent woman and encouraged that quality in her children. Mary belonged to the Federated Women's Club and the American Legion Auxiliary, and attended the Christian Union Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Willard 'Willie', parents John & Dorothy Reeves, infant daughter Carol Lynn, son-in-law Willie Fairbanks, sister Phyllis Stephenson, and aunt Dorothy Perkins. Mary is survived by her children: Susie Fairbanks of York, NE; Clifford Van Syoc of Philadelphia; and John W. Van Syoc of Golden, MO; 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, siblings: Bernard (Erma) Reeves of Ottumwa, James (Carol) Reeves of Knoxville, Martha (Bob) Pfaff of Rosemount, MN; and Dan (Dora) Reeves of Hartford; numerous nieces and nephews; special neighbors Maury, Terry, and Seth McBroom; and special friends: Betty Savely and Marjorie Baker.