Mary Lea Proudfit, 81, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away on August 27, 2024 due to complications from a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).  She was born to her parents Edward Joe and Eva Lorene Bedell Baxter on December 10, 1942, in Independence, Missouri.  She graduated from Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri in 1960. She was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Duane Loren Proudfit, for over 62 years, after meeting him at a church Bible study in Des Moines, IA in the spring of 1960.  She confessed her belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was immersed in baptism at the age of 12. She lived the remainder of her life as a faithful servant of her Lord and was a member of the Church of Christ at Martensdale, Iowa for over 62 years. Her purpose in life was to instill this faith in her children, grandchildren, and her "church children and grandchildren".  She was known as the "Flower Lady" and kept the area around the farmstead looking like a well-groomed floral park.  She never met a weed she didn't like to pull!  Mary left a lasting impression of compassion and kindness and is fondly remembered by the many people she has touched over her years.  She will be deeply missed by each one of them.

She is survived by her husband Duane; children Tammy (Brian) Schreck, Christy (Dave) Henderson, and Steven (Cerine) Proudfit; grandchildren Chantelle (Brett) Jackson, Ashley (Gerry) Fenton, Ethan (Megan) Schreck, Cassidy (Adam) Purdy, Bethany (Kirk) Ford, Isabelle Proudfit, Emelia Proudfit, & Maylee Proudfit; and great grandchildren Aquila & Titus Jackson, Aella, Felix & Rowan Fenton, Judah & Ezra Purdy, Killian Ford, and Baby Girl Schreck (coming soon).

She is also survived by sisters Betty (Bill) Quick, Sharon Westphal, Phyllis (Dick) Bown, Barbara (Pat) Mouse and sister-in-law Marlene Mae Bown, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Bob Baxter and Ronnie Baxter.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Overton Funeral Home, and funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Avenue, Indianola, IA. Burial will follow in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in her memory.