White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Mary Ellen (Lappe) Greathouse, 79 years old, passed away surrounded by her loving family, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Saying that Mary was a beacon of kindness, compassion, and optimism would be an understatement for all who knew her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. – Monday, October 30, 2023, at St. John Catholic Church, Independence, IA, with Rev. David M. Beckman, celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 29th, at White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, where there will be a parish rosary at 3:30 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue for an hour, Monday, at the church.

Mary was born on March 14, 1944, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur Clement Lappe and Mildred Marie (Murphy) Lappe. She attended school in Independence and graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School with the class of 1962. She went on to attend the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, IA, where she met Roger Greathouse. On July 7, 1969, she was united in marriage to Roger William Greathouse at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. They enjoyed 50 years of a loving marriage until his passing in 2019. The couple made their home in Independence for many years before moving to Iowa City to be closer to Roger’s job. In 2015, they moved back to Independence. Together, Mary and Roger built a life centered on family, faith, and community.

Throughout her life, Mary got to know members of her community through various careers. Her longest tenures were at the Jack and Jill Grocery in Independence and then as a CNA at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. In these roles, her colleagues adored her for her unwavering desire to help people and make a positive impact.

In her later years, Mary continued to enrich her life and the lives of others through various volunteer activities. She volunteered at West Elementary School in Independence, imparting wisdom and kindness to younger generations. An avid gardener, she also joined the Independence Master Gardeners Club, sharing her love for nature with like-minded individuals. Mary was a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church, and she volunteered in numerous capacities, further extending her reach of compassion and community service. She also loved to travel with Roger wintering in Texas for many years.

Mary was a devoted mother to her four children. She leaves behind Joe (Kristin) of Tiffin, IA, Stephanie (Dewayne) of Walker, IA, and Susan (Jim) of Cresco, IA. The family also remembers their stillborn son, Patrick, whose memory holds a special place in the family's heart.

Her legacy of love extends to her 11 grandchildren, Allison Greathouse, Emily Greathouse, Nicholas (Kayla) Olney, Rachel Olney, Joshua Olney, Wyatt Olney, Cassandra (Sara) Schindler-Toniolo, Tim Slade, Nathan Slade, Alivia Slade, and Tasha Slade; and one great-granddaughter, Laramie Olney. She’s also survived by her three brothers, Leroy (Roselyn) Lappe of Independence, IA, Jim Lappe of Wellsburg, IA, John Lappe of Brandon, IA; three sisters, Rosalind Gibbs of Independence, IA, Katherine (Larry) Brenneman of Riverside, IA, and Rita (Brian) Ridler of Woodward, IA; three sisters-in-law, Margorie Lappe of Independence, IA, Mary Lappe of Colona, IL, Christine Lappe of Waterloo, IA.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; her son, Patrick; and three brothers, Paul Lappe, William Lappe, and Richard Lappe.

Known for her incredibly caring personality, Mary had an innate ability to make those around her feel valued and loved. Whether it was a family member, a friend, or a stranger, Mary approached everyone with an open heart and a smile that could light up a room. Her optimistic outlook on life was infectious, providing comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Mary was a lifelong educator at heart. Just this past summer, she earned her associate's degree from Kirkwood Community College, where her academic excellence was recognized with a spot on the dean's list. Although she initially attended a teacher's college right after high school, she found Roger, they married and began their family. However, her passion for education never waned and was passed down to her children, who themselves became lifelong educators.

As she neared retirement, Mary had the honor and privilege of teaching many of her grandchildren and a few neighborhood children during their preschool years in what the family affectionately calls "Grandma School."

In memory of her love for children and education, a memorial scholarship has been established for Education majors at Kirkwood Community College. This scholarship aims to honor Mary's enduring spirit by supporting students who embody her values of compassion, optimism, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

As we mourn the loss of such an extraordinary woman, we also celebrate the countless lives she touched. Mary Ellen Greathouse leaves a legacy of love, compassion, optimism, and lifelong learning that will be cherished and remembered by all who know her.

Memorials will be directed to the church and a scholarship that has been established at Kirkwood Community College in memory of Mary Ellen, to support future educators.

White Funeral Home, Independence, IA is assisting the family.