MaryAnn Lorna Henderson

MaryAnn Lorna (Otten) Henderson, 81, of Adel, IA, passed away Monday, July 7th, 2025, at Edencrest at Adel. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 18, 2025, at New Hope Church in Adel at 11:00am, with Mark Henderson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30am - 10:45am. A luncheon will follow the service. A private burial will be Saturday, July 19 in the Ida Grove Cemetery, Ida Grove, IA. Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee is in charge of arrangements.

MaryAnn Lorna Henderson was born on November 27, 1943 in rural Pilger, NE, the daughter of John and Emilie (Heermann) Otten. She was raised on the family farm with 9 siblings where she learned the values of faith, family, and hard work. She attended rural school and graduated from Pilger High School. She continued her education at Wayne State College, graduating with a degree in Home Economics in 1965. It was there that she met Stan Henderson, her best friend and love of her life.

On April 18, 1964, Mary and Stan were married at St. Matthews church, in rural Pilger. They started their life together in Wakefield, NE where Stan was teaching and Mary was finishing school. During their time there, they welcomed their first child, Susan. Soon after, they moved to Glenwood, IA. where Mary enjoyed subbing as a Home Economics teacher and judging 4H projects. They purchased their first home and welcomed their second child Alan. Stan completed his Master’s degree at Creighton University and they moved to Ida Grove where Stan became the elementary school principal. Mary was involved in Newcomers Club, Christian Women's Club, various Bible Studies, school activities, and church where she taught Sunday School and VBS. Soon after their third and fourth children, Mark and Todd joined the family, Stan and Mary purchased a farm south of Ida Grove. Their growing family enjoyed life on the acreage with a large garden, apple orchard and a variety of animals. Once the kids all headed to college, Stan and Mary built their dream house in town, one designed to allow them to care for Stan’s dad Howard.

Their next big move came after Stan's retirement from education when he and Mary started a new chapter of life in Waukee, Iowa, closer to extended family. For the next 20 years they were both involved in church, traveling, and time with family and grandkids. They enjoyed time with each grandkid, teaching them to ride bikes, playing on area playgrounds, visiting ice cream shops, and making lots of great memories. Mary’s grandkids all remember experimenting and making messes in the kitchen, reading books, sliding down the stairs on camping mats, playing card games, recycling pop cans, and lots of laughter. Mary demonstrated her love to her friends and family through baking, serving practical needs, and random acts of kindness.

Mary was always there to support Stan through the physical and health challenges that come with age. Her faith was demonstrated in word and deed throughout her life. As they made several hard decisions and moves later in life, those around them could quickly see their faith and their love for each other. Her ultimate hope in life and death was in her faith in Jesus Christ. She loved the gospel of John which clearly stated that “He who has the Son, has life”. She instilled her love for Jesus in her children and grandchildren through the way that she loved God and loved others.

Mary is survived by Stan, her husband of 61 years, four children: Susan (Al) Hofmann, Adel, IA, their children—Josh and Lauren; Alan (Lisa) Henderson, Ida Grove, IA, their children—Jacob (Beth) Henderson, their children—Eloise and Eleanor, Jenna Henderson, Alyssa (Tim) Kuypers, Kally Henderson; Mark (Kari) Henderson, Ankeny, IA, their children—Kara (Nate) Steffenson, their child—Alaina, Grant (Jayden) Henderson, Ella (Jaxon) Messler, their child—Weston; Todd (Lori) Henderson, Rib Lake, WI, their children—Jed, Blake, Aubree. She is also survived by one brother— Arnold Otten, York, NE, one sister—Doris (Dick) Benal, Wahoo, NE; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Gertude Clausen and Ruth Taylor, and five brothers, Martin Otten, Franklin Otten, Clem Otten, Fred Otten, and John Otten.

Memorials can be sent to New Hope Church in Adel, IA.