Obituary of Nellie Mae McCleary

Nellie M. McCleary, 101, of Muscatine, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2017, at Columbus Care and Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Nebraska.  Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2017, at Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.  The Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Nellie’s family and her arrangements.

Nellie Mae Davis was born on August 31, 1916, in Muscatine, Iowa the daughter of Elijah and Bertha (Thompkins) Davis.  She married Howard McCleary of Muscatine in 1934 and later divorced.  She worked many years at Woolworth’s in the Muscatine Mall and later in life at Muscatine General Hospital.  Nellie was a professional seamstress and an avid quilter belonging to the local Muscatine Melon Patches quilting club.  She also was a member of several lodges and clubs in the Muscatine area including Daughters of the Pocahontas and the Women of the Moose.  She was one of Iowa’s first Avon associates.  In her spare time she enjoyed shopping, bus trips, reading and painting.  Nellie will always be remembered and loved for her wit, playfulness, generosity and affinity for chocolate. 

Nellie is survived by her children, Don McCleary of Muscatine, Mickey Leptak of Columbus, Nebraska and Mike McCleary of Muscatine; eight grandchildren, Cindy, Deborah, Darlene, Esther, Michale, Kalli, Madison and Kamber, and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. 

Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and one great grandchild.