Mary Ellen Samuelson

Mary Ellen (Goodale) Samuelson

April 14, 1938 – July 27, 2025

Mary Ellen Samuelson, 87, of Tipton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, under the compassionate care of Cedar Manor Nursing Home. Born in rural Cedar County to Frances M. (Shetler) and Ernest W. Goodale, Mary grew up surrounded by the love and closeness of a large family. This experience shaped her lifetime of devotion to others.

She graduated as valedictorian from Atalissa High School and married Arthur Dean Samuelson on February 17, 1957, in Atalissa. They built a life rooted in faith in one another, hard work, and enduring love, farming side by side and raising four children near Tipton.

Mary was known for her generous spirit and her unwavering devotion to her family. She enjoyed word puzzles, reading, following Hawkeye basketball and football, and traveling. She was known for her homemade bread, pies, cinnamon rolls, peanut brittle, and especially her Good Friday donuts. She and Arthur owned The Cove Restaurant for several years, but her favorite title remained “Grandma.”

She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren—Meggan Jones, Ryan McBride, Keri Carls, Katelyn Balling, Nicholas Samuelson, and Samuel Sennett—each one deeply touched by the warmth, generosity, and devotion that defined their grandma. Her memory for birthdays, her support for the kids’ activities, and her homemade meals—tailored just for each loved one—were the essence of her care.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Arthur; her children Julie (Mike) McBride, Joni (Patrick) Sennett, Jill Samuelson, and Jeffrey (Sharon) Samuelson; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her sister Patricia Rocha, brother Gary Goodale, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Lois Keith, Carole Watson, and Bill Goodale.

Visitation will be held from 8:00–10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Tipton Masonic Cemetery.

Memorial Funds have been established in Mary’s memory for the Bread of Life food pantry and Tipton Senior Dining. To share condolences and view additional service information, please visit www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Mary’s legacy lives on in the people she loved, the traditions she nurtured, and the kindness she gave so freely. She was strong, loving, and deeply cherished—and she will be missed beyond measure.