Mary Ann was born on November 24, 1933 in Dougherty, IA to Howard and Iris (Norman) McClemons. She graduated from Woodside High School in 1951. In 1952, she married Benny Gambrel and raised four children together. In addition to being a homemaker, Mary was a food service worker for Des Moines Public Schools for over 20 years.
Surviving are her children, Steve (Nancy) of Des Moines, Susan (Chris) Smith of Johnston, David (Melanie) of Des Moines, and Joe of Colfax; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, and husband Benny who died in 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 pm, Friday, August 12 at Ankeny Funeral Home with burial at Pine Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at Noon on Friday until service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
