Mary Agnes (Decker) Halva

Mary Agnes (Decker) Halva

Walford

Mary Agnes (Decker) Halva, 83, of Walford, Iowa, died Friday, March 3, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, May 22, at St. John XXIII church near Fairfax, Iowa, where she was a member. Visitation will commence at 9 a.m., with services at 10 a.m. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Mary was born at home in 1939 near Stanley, Iowa, the daughter of L.B. and Josephine Decker. She attended Brandon High School and married her lifetime partner, Carroll, in 1956.

Together with her husband and children, she lived in many states and traveled extensively. A hard-working farmer, wife and mother — and armchair Hawkeye women’s basketball analyst/enthusiast — she enjoyed gardening, reading, experimental cooking, assembling jigsaw puzzles (at breakneck speed), deciphering Crypto-Quotes, visiting casinos and beating her family at cribbage. She will be deeply missed by those who recognized her caring nature, insight and wit.

Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanine and Glen; sons, Roland and Rodney; grandsons, Tyler and Orion; brothers, John (spouse, Betty) and Ben (spouse, Joyce); honorary relative, Velvet; plus many other family members scattered across the country, but with long roots in Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and David.

The family would like to thank the many people who served as “first responders” and good neighbors whenever help was needed since her return to Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Fairfax Library or her church.

Information will be posted at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under “obituaries,” where we invite you to share memories of Mary and condolences.