Mary Lou Muff

Mary Lou Muff was born on January 18, 1928, in LaPlatte, Nebraska, the daughter of Fred and Bertha (Berka) Hyda. She received her education from Bellevue High with the class of 1946.

On August 17, 1948, Mary Lou was united in marriage to Carl “Bud” Muff in Omaha, Nebraska. Together they were blessed with seven children: James, Carol, Jerry, Michael, Dan, Jeff, and Douglas. At the age of 20, prior to her marriage, Mary Lou converted to the Catholic faith.

She devoted her life to raising her children, preparing hot meals, keeping a warm home, and lending a hand with farm chores. A faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Dow City, she taught First Communion classes as a catechist and was known for picking up the nuns to bring them to town for catechism. She also served for many years as a member of the altar society.

Mary Lou was a talented designer and seamstress and found great joy in gardening. She loved traveling to foreign countries, ballroom dancing and, playing cards with many friends she and Bud cherished. Mary Lou also enjoyed visiting with people and was a member of the Busy Neighbors Club, where friends gathered to entertain in each other’s homes monthly. The couple had a winter home in Mesa, Arizona, where they traveled for many years. Most of all, she treasured the time spent with her family.

Mary Lou passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 97 years, six months and 30 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud Muff; and siblings: Evelyn Hanson, Fred Hyda Jr., Robert Hyda and Betty Divoky.

Mary Lou is survived by her children: James (EveVonne) Muff of Dow City, Carol (Kent) Spillman of Broomfield, Colorado, Jerry (Chris) Muff of Elkader, Michael (Debra) Muff of Ankeny, Dan (Jackie) Muff of Dow City, Jeff (Cindi) Muff of Carman, Illinois and Douglas (DyAnn) Muff of Westminster, Colorado; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Woodle of Bellevue, Nebraska; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A rosary will be held at 3:45 p.m. and visitation with family greeting friends will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dow City. Interment will follow in the Dow City Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Dow City Fire Department.