- Born on: December 8, 1943
- Departed on: July 4, 2025
- Resided in: Osage, IA
Mary Ellen Fox
Mary Ellen Fox of Osage died on July 4, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Mary was born December 8, 1943, in West Bend, Iowa, daughter of Ralph and Bertha Bosold Simmons. She attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic school until 8th grade and graduated from West Bend High school. Mary attended La’ James Cosmetology school and worked many years as a hairdresser. Later she worked 17 years for TOPS Business Forms before her retirement.
In 1963, she married Paul Palmer. To this union, five children were born. Mary raised her children in New Haven. In 1991, she and Richard Fox were married and lived on the farm south of Riceville. Following Richards death, Mary moved to Osage where she remained until her death.
Mary’s life was centered on her faith, family, and friends. She will be remembered as a kind and giving Mom and Grammy and a loyal and caring friend. Mary enjoyed tending her yard and flower gardens, reading, quilting, playing cards, and visiting her friends. She was most happy when all her kids were home.
She is survived by her children, Paige (John) Ziemer, Nikki Thome, Jason Palmer; her three grandchildren, Megan (Bryan King) Thome, Clarissa (Nick) Sullivan, Stormy Lou Palmer, and two great-grandchildren, Felix King and Alexander Sullivan, as well as her brother, Dan Simmons; sister-in-law, Pat Simmons and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, Richard; sons, James Nathan and David; daughter-in-law, Debbie Marquez; brother, David Simmons and her parents.
In memory of Mary, the family requests you continue her legacy by doing random acts of kindness for others.
The celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, July 19. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Osage. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:30 followed by a mass and luncheon. Mary’s wish is for us to honor her life by wearing bright colors, reminiscing about our best memories, and celebrating this amazing woman.
Burial, following the lunch, will be in the St. Peters Catholic cemetery in New Haven, Iowa.
