Mary Jo LaRue, 70, of Ottumwa died at 12:21 a.m. August 4, 2026 at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.
She was born December 18, 1955 in Ottumwa to Donald Melvin and Lois Ilene Simons Long. She married Donald Eugene LaRue Jr. and they were together 42 years.
A resident of Ottumwa most of her life, Mary attended schools in Fairfield. She worked at John Deere Ottumwa Works, for Paint Line in Fairfield and for Cargil in Ottumwa.
Mary was a selfless individual. She devoted her life to her family and loved spending time with them.
Surviving is her husband, D.J.; their children, Dana (Blake) Eilers of Ottumwa and Tyson (Shelby) LaRue of Princeton, MO; 5 grandchildren, Keyton LaRue, Kalynna Eilers, Kinsley Eilers, Brooklynn Besco and Willow LaRue; and sisters, Kimberly LaRue of Eldon and Donita Billingsley Stockport.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, Melvin and Cora Long.
Visitation will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 9th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, August 10th at Reece Funeral Home with David Arduser officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to the family.
