Mary Maxine Switzer

Mary Maxine (Jones) Switzer passed away peacefully at the age of 99 years on July 28, 2024 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield, Iowa with family by her side. 

A Memorial Service Celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Burial will be held at Switzer Cemetery. Donations may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation in Fairfield or to a charity of your choice.

Mary was born at home near Melrose, Iowa, October 29, 1924 to John William and Kathryn Ellen (Ryan) Jones. Mary lived with her Aunt Lena Harrell in Fairfield and attended Fairfield High School where she graduated in 1943. She met her future husband, Warren Duncan Switzer, when attending a dance at the Fairfield Armory. They were married May 22, 1943 and enjoyed 65 years together before Warren’s passing in 2008. They made their home on the family Heritage Farm northeast of Fairfield where Mary was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She played a major role in operating their family farm. Mary loved to bake cookies and pies. She made sure the stray cats in the neighborhood had something to eat. 

Mary is survived by her children, David (Carole) Switzer of Billings, Montana and Brainerd, Minnesota, Maxine (Don) Reed of Plano, Texas, Kenneth (Marilyn) Switzer of Holton, Kansas, Charlene Munn of Fairfield, and Ronald (Christy) Switzer of Fairfield. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, 1 triple-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. One sister Margy Craig of Grinnell, IA and a brother Robert Jones of Colorado Springs, CO also survive her. 

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary Elaine Switzer; three sisters, Irene Denomy, Kathryn Clara Jones, Lucille Molloy; and seven brothers, William Jones, D. James Jones, Charles Jones, John Jones, Leo Jones, Raymond Jones, and Bernard Jones.