Dear John

Just became aware of your moms passing, very sorry for your loss, I know you will miss her, you have her remarkable mental skills (memory),it was nice to see pictures of your dad. We both will miss our moms. Jude

I just read on the "I attended school in Urbana" website that Mrs. Elson passed away. She was my kindergarten teacher at Urbana in 1962. We went to kindergarten all day but only went every other day. I remember her as a caring teacher who made learning fun.

Mary was a very long member of the Ray and Virginia Boyer Legion Post.

I have fond memories of her. we helped with her service of her borther-in-law Cival War dedication out to the Shellsburg Cemetary. I visisted her at Oaknoll many times.

Martha Travis, Ray and Virgina Boyer Post and Auxilairy

Shellsburg, Iowa

Dear John,

I was board secretary for years at Urbana and Mary's classroom was next door. My son, Dwight, had her for kindergarten. A great person and teacher. We always enjoyed visiting with her in Vinton. You were blessed to be her son and we were blessed to have her for a friend.

Sorry to hear of your mom's passing John . Your family is in our thoughts .

To The Family of Mary Elson:

My condolences to all who loved Aunt Mary. She was always smiling and always had something nice to say. She was truly an inspiration to me to be a little more patient, a little more compassionate, and to love just because.....God Bless.

One of my best memories of Aunt Mary was when cousin Carol Ann and I were about 5 years old, Aunt Mary told not to play with her violin. Of course, as soon as she was out of the room we went right to it and broke a string. Needless to say, we did NOT get away with that!

Aunt Mary was a happy and "glass half full" lady. Glad she is now with Dad and all the others that have gone before.

My sincere sympathy to the family of Mary Elson and if you ask members of the Shellsburg Class of 1956 what they remember most about their 3rd grade, many would answer that we made paper mache puppets and had a puppet show. Mary was a lady who always showed class and elegance and it was my good fortune to have her as my 3rd grade teacher. Rest in peace Mary.

Dear John and family: Deepest sympathy at the loss of your Mother. She was my 3rd grade teacher at Shellsburg. I graduated with the class of 1969 at Shellsburg. Also, your parents were good friends of my parents: John and Marjorie Rhinehart. Prayers for your loss, Ramona

My condolences to Elson family . may this promise at John 11:25 bring you comfort during this time of grief

God Bless you Aunt Mary! You will be greatly missed. I have alot of wonderful memories of you and I will always hold them near and dear in my heart. Your son John is such a great and kind man. Just as you were. So thoughtful of others. Love you and rest in peace my sweet Aunt Mary!!

Hello all. I'll remember Mary as a sports fan. One time, maybe 15 years ago, I was along with her son, my Uncle John when he made a visit to see her. I remember she was looking forward to watching the game after we left. As a young teenager who loved sports my self, I remember this as one of my first encounters with someone in their 80s who also loved sports. That we could share a common interest across some 60 or 70 years of age difference was exciting to me.

I did not personally know Mary, but she must have been a great lady because she raised a wonderful son who cared about her very much