Mary Frances Babinat

Mary Frances Babinat of Newton, through the grace of God, went peacefully to her eternal rest Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton.

She was born to John and Thelma (Schares) Babinat of Clutier, Oct. 2, 1964. Mary grew up in Clutier, and graduated from North Tama High School in Traer in 1983. Mary then went to Ellsworth Community College and received a double major in executive secretarial and business. She then continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 1987, with a BA degree in accounting.  After graduation Mary moved to Newton, where she began working for Nolte, Corman & Johnson PC, CPA. Along with her 29 years with the firm, Mary has taught several years at Buena Vista University, and has been a speaker at many regional conferences of the School Administrators of Iowa and Iowa Association of School Business Officials. In addition to her work, Mary has been a member of numerous boards including: the Iowa Society of CPA’s, the American Institute of CPA’s, GFOA Special Review Committee, the Iowa Department of Education Finance Roundtable, the Iowa Department of Education CAR/SES Advisory Committee, and a past Committee member and past Chair of the Iowa Society of CPA’s Governmental Committee.

In her free time Mary was involved in a variety of other organizations. She was a member of the board of directors for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Davenport. She served as an auditor for the Miss USA, Iowa pageant. Until recently Mary has been a stable face at the Sacred Heart Parish Finance Committee. Remaining connected to her hometown of Clutier, Mary continued to be an active member of the St. Theresa Court #632 of the National Catholic Society of Foresters, a member of the First Catholic Slavic Ladies Association Lodge #130, and a member of the America Legion Auxiliary #453 Hora-MacHacek Post.

Mary is survived by her special friend, Richard Arp of Clutier; and eight of her siblings, Joseph (Betty) Babinat of Marshalltown, Nancy (Richard) Bloom of Ackley, Julia Babinat of Clutier, Robert (Joyce) of Tama, Margaret Babinat of Clutier, John (Nadine) Babinat of La Porte City, Leo (Lisa) Babinat of Clutier and Rita (Todd) Eichhorst of Clutier. She is also a proud aunt and great-aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her sister Linda; and infant brother Martin.

Arrangements for Mary have been made through Overton Funeral Home in Traer. Services for Mary will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. Visitation will be Sunday, Sept. 28 at Sacred Heat Catholic Church in Newton. A rosary will be said at 4 p.m. followed by visitation and a vigil service at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, with Rev. William Reynolds and Rev. Ray Atwood co-presiding. A dinner will be served at the church following the Mass. Burial will take place at St. Wenceslaus cemetery in Clutier at 3 p.m. following the dinner.