Mary Lou Alexander's Obituary
Mary Lou Alexander, age 96, of Unionville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Golden Age Care Center in Centerville, surrounded by the comfort of a long and well-lived life.
Mary was born on April 18, 1930, in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Clyde and Eva (Turner) Minor. She grew up rooted in the values of family, hard work, and kindness, graduating from Centerville High School with the Class of 1948. On March 25, 1950, she was united in marriage to Rex Wm. Alexander in Davenport, Iowa, beginning a partnership that would carry them through many chapters and miles. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She and Rex were blessed with three children, Rick, Jane, and Cort, who carry forward her legacy of strength, compassion, and dedication to family.
Together, Mary and Rex built a life filled with adventure and devotion. During Rex's time in the service, they lived in Texas. Rex was deployed to South Korea and Mary and Rick moved back to Centerville to be with family. When Rex was discharged from the service, Mary and Rick joined Rex and moved to Seymour.
After living in Seymour, the family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming for a few years. The next adventure took them to Sante Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico where they opened a drive-in restaurants. This is where Mary discovered her entrepreneurial spirit and she was embraced with energy and pride. She loved the work, the people, and the sense of purpose it gave her.
Upon returning to Iowa, Rex began farming, and Mary shifted her focus toward community and service. She became a steady and compassionate presence in Unionville, always willing to lend a hand where it was needed. Whether through her volunteer efforts or quiet acts of kindness, Mary found fulfillment in helping others.
She was an active member of PEO, the Joy Group in Unionville, and TTT, forming lasting friendships and contributing to causes close to her heart. Her life was marked not by grand gestures, but by consistent generosity, resilience, and a genuine care for those around her.
She will be remembered for her warm spirit, her willingness to serve, and the meaningful way she lived her life-always grounded in love, community, and quiet determination.
Those left to cherish Mary's memory are her children, Rick (Barb) Alexander, Jane Alexander and Cort (Ginger) Alexander; her brother, William Minor; four grandchildren, Nicole Bravo (Grant Taylor), Greg (Amy) Hixenbaugh, Glen Hixenbaugh, and Deanna (Kevin) Stacy; seven great grandchildren; special nieces, Kari and Sherry; as well as several other nieces and extended family members and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Alexander on November 18, 2009; her parents, Clyde and Eva Minor; her sister-in-law, Nancy Minor; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ronald and Lois Swasick.
Per Mary's wishes, cremation has been accorded. Graveside services will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Unionville, Iowa. Memorials have been established to Furever Friends Rescue, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Alexander Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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