Mary Alice Kent, 98, passed away early Wednesday morning, October 27, 2021 at Pine Acres Nursing facility in West Des Moines.
Mary was born on November 17, 1922 in Chicago Illinois, the eldest child of Leniahen Lincoln and Alice Elinore (Hansen) Lally. She had two brothers, Patrick Edward Lally and John “Jack” Lally. The family moved to Des Moines in 1930 where her father became a successful entrepreneur. Mary graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1941, then attended Drake University and University of Colorado. She was married in 1949 to J. Dolliver Kent Jr., who preceded her in death in 1983, became president and CEO of Continental Western Insurance Co. in West Des Moines. She was a homemaker and volunteer worker for the JayCees, Catholic Churches, Air Guard Wives, and a longtime member of her Bridge Club.
Mary spent most of her adult life living in Des Moines and spending summers at their family cabin in northern Minnesota. She retired in 1977, to Hawaii and enjoyed the life style of the Big Island of Hawaii in the south Kona area, Aloha 'oe Mary Alice. She later returned to the Des Moines area to be near her grandchildren. Mary was a generous and loving mother and grandmother and will always be loved and greatly missed.
Mary is survived by her two children, Kathryne Jean Kent of Honaunau, HI and J.D. Kent III (Carrie) of Des Moines, IA; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren; a nephew and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband.