Mary Evelyn Arganbright

Mary Evelyn Arganbright passed away at 93 years of age on February 19, 2018. She resided in the memory care unit at Senior Suites of Urbandale for the past 8 years. Mary grew up near the southern Indiana town of Jeffersonville on a civil war property. She was preceded in death by her two older sisters, and an older brother, who gave his life in WW II in Holland. She was married to Wayne Arganbright for 53 years living in the southern Kansas City area. He preceded her in death in 2001. Her children are Suzette (Ron) Hughes of Dunedin, FL and Sharolyn (Jim) Smidt of Urbandale, IA. She has four special grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mom was ever loving and giving in all she did, not only for her family, but for countless friends, strangers and animals! She was an incredible cook with specialties reflecting her Southern heritage like fried okra, fried mush, pickles, strawberry jam, barbecued brisket, chocolate, lemon and pecan pie. Her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls were the best. She shared food with anyone in need and gave help in any way she could as a true Southern woman would. She and her sisters were passionate antiquer’s and collected beautiful glassware, clocks and furniture. Mom had an outstanding and remarkable talent for sewing and was not afraid to tackle anything.

In July of 1958, she started reading the Bible and followed her heart to go to meetings with like-minded people by meeting in homes for fellowship and worship on Sunday mornings. She was faithful to attend as long as she was physically able. Then she did her best to listen via speaker phone as her mind and body declined. Her Bible and hymn book are well used and were very close to her heart.

Sadly, her family witnessed her decline because of Alzheimer's disease over the last many years. We have missed her participation in the life of our family. She was devoted to her grandchildren who loved her and were profoundly influenced by her life. She leaves many faithful friends in Kansas City and Jeffersonville who loved her too.

The funeral service will be held at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel and Mortuary located at 801 19th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 3pm with a visitation one hour prior at 2pm to meet with friends and relatives. A private burial for the immediate family will be held following the service.

The family requests no flowers, but encourages everyone to donate to the charity of their choice in her honor, including Suncrest Hospice who helped care for her.