Mary Jean "Jean" Mott

Mary Jean “Jean” Mott, age 94, of Minneapolis, MN and formerly of Mason City, IA, passed away October 30, 2015. Preceded in death by her beloved husband Cecil E. Mott, mother and step-father Vera Laird and M. K. Hubbard, son-in-law Steven Kellogg, and uncle Morrie Laird. Survived by daughters Andrea (Larry) Dunbar, Minneapolis and Kathleen Kellogg , Austin, TX: son Laird (Mary), Omaha, NE: grandchildren Annette (Van) Webb, Tulsa, OK, Audrey (Jared) Milam, Portland, OR, Alicia Warren, Austin, TX. Leah Mott, Kansas City, MO, Michal Lauren (Benton) Hunt, Minneapolis, MN, and Caitlin (Matt) Willis, Kansas City, Mo, two bonus grandchildren Ross (Michelle) Dunbar of Minneapolis, MN and Heather Dunbar of San Francisco, CA. She also leaves seven great-grandchildren and four bonus great-grandchildren: brother John (Jan) Hubbard of Scottsdale, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was born and raised in Mason City, living most of her early years with her grandparents, J.T. and Mary Etta Laird in their home, the Stockman House. She met her future husband, Cec Mott, at NIACC; they were married before he left to serve in Europe during WWII. Shortly after his return from service, they moved to Iowa Falls, where he was a high school teacher and coach, and Jean was a librarian. In the summers during this time, she returned to the Univ. of Iowa where she finished a degree in Education. In 1960 they returned to Mason City, both teaching in the Mason City school system. She retired in 1981, and Cec, in the spring of 1984.

Jean was a child of the Depression, with simple tastes. She was modest, humble, pragmatic and un-complaining. She loved words; was prolific at journaling and persistent at crossword puzzles. Her dictionary, thesaurus and other books were treasured. She cherished her pets, enjoyed gardening, bird watching and was tough to beat in board games and cards. Jean welcomed friends and family to her house, where you always had interesting and fun conversations.

A graveside service will be held at the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City at 3:30 PM on Saturday, June 11, 2016, with the Rev. Kathy Moore officiating. Family and friends will gather for a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 at the Robert E. McCoy Architectural Interpretive Center, 530 1st St. NE, Mason City.

Memorials preferred to the: Cec and Jean Mott Scholarship Fund, Education Foundation of Mason City Public Schools. 1515 S Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, or the River City Society for Historic Preservation, P.O. Box 565,
Mason City, IA 50402, or Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. SE, Mason City, IA 50401.