Mary Katherine Halstead

Mary Katherine Halstead, age 82, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born January 26, 1941, in Grinnell, Iowa to Dr. James and Helen (Reckler) Clements. A prolific writer throughout her life, Mary was frequently stopped by those who didn’t know her and asked if she knew there was a pencil behind her ear? Her pencil wearing habit began when she was in high school and continued throughout college where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Journalism from Iowa State University.

Her first job out of college was as the sports editor and photographer for The Cedar Falls Daily Record in Cedar Falls, Iowa. While the children were young, Mary was a freelance writer who wrote for publications such as Wallace’s Farmer, and was the editor for The Iowa Churchman, a newspaper for the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, for over ten years. She retired from Wells Fargo in 2010 as a technical writer.

Following retirement, Mary served the community through charity work with organizations such as the Caring Hands Food Bank in Altoona, and the Iowa Lion’s Eye Bank. Mary was active in her church, having served as treasurer and board member. She was a member of the Mitchellville Lion’s club and was a corneal tissue transporter.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Steve Halstead; children, Melissa (Todd) Rhoades, Robert (Sophie) Halstead, and James (Jennifer) Halstead; granddaughters, Allison and Paige Halstead; siblings, Jim (Kay) Clements, Frank Clements, and Harriet (Marcus) Clements; and her nieces, nephews, other loving family and many friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James H. Clements and Helen R. Clements.

There will be a memorial service honoring Mary on Friday, August 18, 2023, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Newton, Iowa beginning at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to St. Stephen’s Church, the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, American Parkinson Disease Association—Iowa chapter or a charity of choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.