Mary Ann Tilkes

Mary Ann Tilkes was born on October 13, 1933, the daughter of Albert G. and Ann (Scanlon) Dietrich, on the farm near Alta Vista, Iowa. She graduated from St. William's Catholic High School in 1951 at Alta Vista. She enjoyed pitching for the Alta Vista girl's softball team. Mary meet Leo William Tilkes at a wedding dance in Alta Vista. Mary was united in marriage to Leo W. Tilkes on September 20, 1955 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista. Together they farmed west of North Washington until their retirement. Mary enjoyed milking cows, feeding chickens, and always had time for the cats and dogs. They moved to Ionia in 1996. Mary spent her time hand quilting, making quilts for her nieces and nephews. Mary is Survived by her brother Francis Dietrich of Elma, Iowa; sister-in-law Mary Ann Dietrich of Waterloo, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Ann Dietrich; husband Leo in 2013; sister Marcella (Sally) (Andy) Grober; sisters-in-law Catherine Dietrich, Phyllis Dietrich; and niece and nephew.