Mary Jane Little
PORTAGE - Mary Jane Little of Surprise, Arizona passed away on July 25, 2015 at the age of 82 in Surprise, Arizona.
She was born in Portage on June 10, 1933, the daughter of Francis and Gertrude (Kayartz) Strong. She was married to Donald Little on January 20, 1951, at the Portage United Methodist Church Manse. Throughout Mary Jane’s life she lived in Portage; Winterset, IA; Nisswa, MN; Edina, MN, and back to Portage before her final retirement to Surprise, AZ. Mary Jane enjoyed family gatherings and keeping in touch with her best friend and aunt, Lillian Kubik of Pardeeville. She enjoyed reading and discussing her favorite TV shows with her granddaughter Jen. She had numerous jobs throughout her life including as an owner of Minnewawa Lodge in Nisswa, MN, manager of Parklawn Estates in Edina, MN, and as a clerk at Bookworld in Portage.
She is survived by three sons: Thomas D. (Heidi) of Niedernhausen-Oberjasbach, Germany; Timothy F. (Sharon) of Surprise, AZ; and Donald W. Jr (Nantawan) of Munich, Germany. Mary Jane is also survived by three grandchildren: Jennifer L. Little of Custer, SD; Niklas Little of Niedernhausen-Oberjasbach, Germany and Diana Thitiwan Schulz of Munich, Germany along with two great grandchildren: Mickayla Little and Jakia Cleveland also of Custer, SD. Mary Jane is also survived by a sister Donna Grey of Wisconsin, and a brother, James Strong of California, other relatives and many friends. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted spouse of 57 years, Donald, in 2008, and her beloved cat, Pretty Girl.
At Mary Jane’s request there will be no services. Private inurnment will take place in Wyocena Cemetery. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
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