Mary Ellen Sapp, 96, of Ottumwa died at 6:34 a.m. June 25, 2026 at Vista Woods Care Center.
She was born August 29, 1929 in Newtown, MO to Aaron and Leone Sinclair Summy. She married Norlan D. Sapp Sr. February 15, 1957 and he preceded her in death September 21, 2007.
A 1947 graduate of Hedrick High School Mary worked at Center of Hope for special needs children. She later helped integrate special needs children into the classroom. Mary worked at Ottumwa High School as a behavior disorder associate and a study hall monitor, retiring in 1992.
Mary was a member of First Christian Church until they closed. She then became a member of Bladensburg Christian Church. Mary was also a member of Order of Eastern Star Rose Chapter #552, Christina Court #3 Order of the Amaranth, Wapello White Shrine, Ottumwa Ladies Club and Red Hats Society. Mary was one of the remaining members of her friend group the “Dirty Dozen” which were the remaining 6 wives of Ottumwa Schools Faculty.
Surviving are her children, Teresa L. Sapp of Ottumwa and Norlan “Buster” (Janice Coltrain-Sapp) Sapp Jr. of Plano, TX; a granddaughter, Mackenzie Sapp; many nieces and nephews; many great nieces and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, John Summy, Jim Summy and Lucy Bell Cheyney.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Sunday June 28th at Reece Funeral Home. An Eastern Star Service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home followed by her family present to greet friends until 7 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday June 29th at Reece Funeral Home with Larry Smith officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Bladensburg Christian Church.
