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Obituary For MaryAnn Freeland
MaryAnn Freeland, 90, passed away on February 25, 2025, at Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA) with visitation one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow the service at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
MaryAnn was born on January 29, 1935, in Ankeny, Iowa. She was a graduate of Ankeny High School in 1953.
MaryAnn was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She had a strong faith in Christ and held onto her beliefs throughout her life. She was a member of The Well Covenant Church in Des Moines.
MaryAnn held many important jobs, working at many bakeries, Porter’s Hardware, and driving school buses. She was a dedicated school bus driver for Southeast Polk for 53 years. She took great pride in safely guiding generations of students to and from school. She enjoyed seeing generations of students grow up, often transporting not only them but later their children, creating lasting connections through her years behind the wheel.
MaryAnn had a love for many simple things that people often remembered. She had a strong love for giraffes, the color purple, Hawaii, Gilmore Girls, and chocolate fudge. She was committed to donating blood and plasma to LifeServe, where she donated 53 gallons of blood in her lifetime. She was a member of Women on Wheels motorcycle club for many years. The simple joys of life brought her happiness and made her memorable to those who knew her.
Left to cherish her memories are her children: Debbie (Dave) Waltz, Jodi (Harold) Capps, and Tom Freeland; eight grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Hazel Fitchett; her siblings, Harold Fitchett, Margaret Mann, Marie Stuber, and Bob Fitchett; her children, Steve Freeland and Linda Fitchett; and her husbands, Stanley Freeland and Thomas Bragg.
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Ofelia Mann sent Vivid Recollections for MaryAnn Freeland - March 02, 2025
Mary Davenport sent The New Sunrise Bouquet for MaryAnn Freeland - March 01, 2025
Jennifer Jean planted 5 trees in memory of MaryAnn Freeland . - March 01, 2025
Sharon K Lessard sent Radiant Foliage Planter for MaryAnn Freeland - March 01, 2025
Margaret Evans sent Emerald Garden Basket for MaryAnn Freeland - February 28, 2025
Tina Barton sent Sweet Moments for MaryAnn Freeland - February 27, 2025
Greg Waltz planted 5 trees in memory of MaryAnn Freeland . - February 27, 2025
MaryAnn was a amazing neighbor to my parents and older siblings in their early childhood. When I came along my parents had moved a country blocks away but MaryAnn was still our bus driver. Plus I remember going to the Ice Cream shop in Pleasant Hill when she was there and getting ice cream. With sincere thoughts and prayers for your family. Tom, Lonnie, Kristin, and Brian Borton
I am very sorry for your loss. MaryAnn and her family were part of my childhood as we were neighbors. Have great memories of her as a bus driver and babysitter
Before Covid we shared the same pew in early service. Shared lots of love, laughter and much more. Kind of lost track when went to one service and because of health reasons I couldn't attend any more. MaryAnn shared her happiness of visiting every county in Iowa on her motorcycle. What a lady. See you later my friend. Prayers for the family.
We are so sorry to hear about MaryAnn's passing. She was such a special part of our lives—first as our bus driver for generations and later as a dear neighbor. Her kindness and care will always be remembered. Thinking of her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
With sympathy, The Speed Family
John and I will miss calling MaryAnn to let her know it was time to come get the lilacs. Praying for her family .
My thoughts and prayers to MaryAnn's family and friends. I had the great pleasure of having her as my bus driver from the time I was first able to ride till I started to drive. I remember the time she had to get off the bus and help me on because I was too small to get on and the time she wrecked the bus and I had left my miss Beasley doll on it and she made the point to bring her back to me even though she had gotten into an accident. She was one of the kindest and loving lady's I knew. She will live on in my heart and memories. Rest easy MaryAnn.
Mary Ann was a gem! Sending hugs to the family!
Sending thoughts and prayers for MaryAnn's family. I was lucky enough to have grown up next door to her and had her as my bus driver until I was 16. I have such fond memories of Maryann and her wonderful family❤️.
Thoughts are with the family
We offer our thoughts and prayers to the loving family of MaryAnn, never cherished a person as much as her. The total love she had for family and a few of us bonus family members. Will never forget her fudge, she even put nuts in some for us. Rest now ,Willie and Sherry Lessard
