Mary Acuff

     Mary Leone (Ver Hoef) Acuff went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Northcrest’s Heartwood House in Ames, IA. She was 86 years old.

     Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center, IA with Rev. Van Rathbun officiating.

      Burial will take place prior to the service at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center, IA.

     Family will be greeting guests at the time of service and again for a time of refreshments and fellowship following the memorial service at the Memorial Funeral Home.

     Mary was born July 23, 1931, the oldest of three children born to Bernard and Alvina (Te Grotenhuis) Ver Hoef, in Sioux Center, IA. Mary attended high school in Sioux Center. She graduated from Central College, in Pella, IA with a BA in education. She later earned her master’s in education and counseling from Iowa State University. She launched her long teaching career in Boone, IA and then moved to Ames Central Junior High in Ames, IA where she served as a guidance counselor for 18 years before retiring in 1988. Mary was a member of the Collegiate Presbyterian Church of Ames serving as deacon and trustee. She enjoyed participating in Bible study groups.

    
     Mary married Hoyt Nealy Acuff, a science teacher at Ames Central Junior High, on March 16, 1973. They enjoyed golfing, playing bridge with friends, and attending many ISU Cyclone games. Mary also played the piano and was an avid reader. After retirement, Mary and Hoyt travelled extensively, visiting all 50 states and over 20 countries. In one memorable trip, they drove from Ames to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, a nearly 8000 miles round trip, and spending over a month camping. They also took an eight-day raft trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon where Mary was a good sport after losing one of her shoes on the first day.

     
     Mary is survived by brother, Bruce Allyn and wife Marnette (Requa) Ver Hoef; sister-in-law, Ardene (Sanbulte) Ver Hoef; several nieces and nephews on the Ver Hoef side. Survivors also include three stepchildren, Katherine Acuff, Denzil Acuff and Hoyt Acuff, Jr. and their families.

    
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt, who died May 10, 2015; her parents; and one brother, Arnold Glenn Ver Hoef.