Mary Rachel (Jones) Kuiper

December 22, 1945 - February 24, 2022

Mary Rachel (Jones) Kuiper, age 76, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center. Mary was born on December 22, 1945, in Knoxville, Iowa, the 7th child of Harry and Rachel (Miller) Jones. She grew up in Knoxville and attended Knoxville Community Schools. Mary was united in marriage to Anthony Eugene Kuiper in November of 1964, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. Mary was a homemaker, and then began working for the Knoxville School District as a custodian. Mary was employed with the school district for 23 years. Following retirement, Mary and Anthony owned and operated Bizzy’s Ice Cream & Pizza shop in Chariton for over 10 years. Mary enjoyed crafts, reading, and traveling. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Mary is survived by her husband, Anthony Kuiper of Knoxville; children, Kathy Jo (Lyle) Voss of Norwalk, and John (Valerie) Kuiper of Knoxville; sister, Eleanor Ostendorff of Ames; one grandson, Calvin Whitlatch; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Rachel (Miller) Jones; and five siblings, Donna Beebout, Phyllis Mitchell, Charles Jones, Ronald Jones, and Russell “Eddie” Jones. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022, at Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with family present to greet friends and relatives. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at Winfield Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at Celebrate Community Church in Knoxville. A private burial will be held on a later date at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. The Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville is assisting Mary’s family with arrangements.