Mary Ann Mathilda Tilkes, 85

Mary Ann Mathilda Tilkes, age 85 and formerly of Ionia, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2019, at New Hampton Nursing and Rehab Center in New Hampton,.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia, with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating. 
Burial was in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery at Ionia.
Visitation was  from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and Scripture Wake Service at 7 p.m. 
Visitation continued prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday. Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences for Mary’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.
Mary Ann Tilkes was born on Oct. 13, 1933, the daughter of Albert G. and Ann (Scanlon) Dietrich, on the farm near Alta Vista. 
She graduated from St. William’s Catholic High School in 1951 at Alta Vista.  She enjoyed pitching for the Alta Vista girls’ softball team. 
Mary met Leo William Tilkes at a wedding dance in Alta Vista.  Mary was united in marriage to Leo W. Tilkes on Sept. 20, 1955, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista. 
Together they farmed west of North Washington until their retirement. Mary enjoyed milking cows, feeding chickens and always had time for the cats and dogs.
They moved to Ionia in 1996. Mary spent her time hand quilting, making quilts for nieces and nephews.
Mary is survived by her brother Francis Dietrich of Elma; sister-in-law Mary Ann Dietrich of Waterloo; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Ann Dietrich; husband Leo in 2013; brothers Leo Dietrich and Paul (Theresa) Dietrich; sister Marcella “Sally” (Andy) Grober; sisters-in-law Catherine Dietrich, Phyllis Dietrich; and nieces and nephews.