Mary Ada Black, age 85, of Nevada, Iowa, died Friday, February 7, 2014, at Story County Medical Center in Nevada.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2014, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Nevada, with The Reverend Rick Dagit officiating. Burial was in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Nevada. Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Thursday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with a Rosary at 6:45 p.m.
Born November 13, 1928, in Colo, Iowa, Mary Ada (Stark) Black was the daughter of Clarence Carl and Katherine Agnita (Mulcahy) Stark. She grew up in the Colo area and graduated from Nevada High School in 1946. Mary Ada attended Mercy Nursing School before her marriage to Floyd Black on November 3, 1948.
Mary Ada and Floyd settled on a farm near Nevada and raised their family. They were active in the Iowa Harness Horse Association for many years and even had one of their horses, Black's Commander, named Horse of the Year. Mary Ada enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles, and was well-known for her delicious chocolate cake. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and cooked for many years at the hospital and Senior Citizens. Most of all, though, Mary Ada will be remembered for the love and devotion she had for her family.
Survivors include three children, Dennis (Shelly) Black of Pleasant Hill, Dean Black of Ames, and Stephanie (Brian Olson) Black of Nevada; a son-in-law, Mike Olson of Colo; nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Beau) Hudson, Nicole, Jami, Jessica, Autumn, and Lacey Black, and Tiara, Chloe, and Carter Olson; six great-grandchildren, Ashli, Ryanne, Ellie, Payje, Austin, and Adam, as well as another great-granddaughter expected in April; and a sister, Julia Oxley of West Branch.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1997; two sons, Steven and James Black; a daughter, Teresa Olson; and four brothers, Carl Patrick, Charles (Chuck), John, and Ed Stark.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada was entrusted with the care of Mary Ada and her family.