Mary Jane (Kasch) Elliott

In Loving Memory of Mary Jane (Kasch) Elliott - Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, and Friend [June 10, 1937] – [June 17, 2025]

Mary Jane Elliott of rural Hinton, Iowa went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the age of 88. She was no doubt welcomed into heaven by her husband Bruce—who’s probably already asked if she brought the coffee and has tee times scheduled for them.

The eldest of four strong-willed sisters, Mary Jane was raised on faith, family, and a deep-rooted belief in doing what’s right—even when it’s hard. She spent most of her life on the heritage farm she shared with Bruce, where they raised two children, worked side by side, and built a life that was rich in love and full of meaning.

Mary Jane had her hands full on the farm feeding the men, keeping meticulous records of their calendar and the farm books, raising the kids, canning, and making apple crisp from the apples off their apple tree. She never missed one of her kids’ ball games - she was there, in the stands, not because she loved sports but because she loved her children with pride in her heart. After the kids were older, she worked at Jackson Recovery Center until she retired.

Mary Jane was a woman of deep talents. She sewed, played the piano with grace, loved card clubs and had a beautiful singing voice. She made music part of her life, singing in church, playing their baby grand piano, enjoying community theatre, and always reminded us that joy can be found in the little things.

Her goulash was legendary to the family as was “The Salad”, Monkey Bread, Stacey’s Peanut Butter Logs, and Jim’s Favorite Dessert (as it was labeled on the recipe card). Her kitchen counter stools were always open to family, friends, and neighbors.

Though she loved a quick trip with Bruce—maybe to see the countryside, stop at a roadside diner, to visit their kids and grandchildren - those trips were always kept close to home. After all, the farm needed tending.

She loved the Lord with quiet strength and unwavering faith. In the last few years, after losing Bruce, life was harder. But, she kept going, kept praying, and kept loving her family. She adored her grandchildren, and being a great-grandma brought her even greater joy.

Mary Jane lived by the kind of values that don’t make headlines but shape legacies—honesty, kindness, humility, and a deep care for others. She gave without keeping count and served without needing thanks. Her humor was gentle, and her words were few but full of care.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years Bruce, her parents Iona Trometer (Les) and Clarence Kasch, her sister Lynne Pagan, two sets of twins, and others she now joins in the peace of heaven. She leaves behind her two children Stacey Elliott of Hinton and Jim (Diana) Elliott of Story City, her cherished grandchildren Julian Elliott, Trent (Kjersten) Elliott and Jade (Caleb) Schlatter, four great-grandchildren Elsie, Jack, Nora and Halle, two dear sisters Connie (Jack) Kounkel, Teresea (Ron) Johnson, brother-in-law Jim Pagan and a wide circle of friends, neighbors, and folks who knew where to go when they needed love.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, June 20, 2025, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel 3220 Stone Park Blvd Sioux City with pastor Beth Odor officiating. A private graveside burial will take place at Liberty Township Cemetery rural Hinton. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.