Rose Mary Binns, 99 of Monona, Iowa passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon, Iowa. Rose Mary Whittle was born October 8, 1924, in Giard Twp. Clayton
County Iowa to Bernard L. and Odelia (Fassbinder) Whittle. She received her education at Cooper Valley Rural School, St. Patrick’s Grade School, Monona High School, and Elkader Junior College. Rose Mary taught for three years in local rural schools. She married Robert Geraghty in 1945. Two children were born to this union, Michael and Kathleen. She and Robert were divorced.
Although plagued by health problems, Rose Mary was hard-working, industrious & talented. On her loom, she wove hundreds of quality rag rugs. She made beautiful, delicious party cakes for every special event. She crocheted profusely; each lovely item was Blue Ribbon quality.
Rose Mary worked many years at the Monona Telephone Company as switchboard operator and later as office secretary. In 1973, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska and was housekeeper for the owners of Baum Iron Works. She married Glenn Binns in 1981. They lived in Council Bluffs. For many years they went in their 5th wheel to Yuma, Arizona for the winter. They both loved dining out and dancing. They moved to Monona in 2000.
Rose Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Odelia Whittle; her husband, Glenn Binns; son, Michael Geraghty; brother, Bernard M. Whittle; stepson, James Binns; brothers-in-law, Donald Griffith and John Binns; sisters- in-law, Shirley Whittle and Ella Mae Sorenson; and one grandson, Andy Hein.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Dan) Pixler of Monona; brother, Adelbert (Darlene) Whittle of Clive; sister, Darlyn Griffith of San Diego, California; three granddaughter, Kelly (Brian) Moore of Hartford, Wisconsin; Catherine Geraghty and fiance Ray Goodger of Brookfield, Wisconsin and Michelle (Chad) Simmons of Vinton Virginia; eight great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Mary Jane (Randy) Franks of Red Oak and Audrey (Bob) Nielson of Council Bluffs; and one stepson, Dennis (Sue) Binns of Red Oak. In addition, many step grand, great-grand, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Rose Mary was a kind, generous and feisty lady. She will be missed by all of us who loved her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am with a one hour visitation before services on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the Celebrant.
Burial with follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Monona, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rose Mary’s honor may be given to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Monona, MFL MarMac Ambulance, Monona or Good Samaritan Society Activity Department, Waukon.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with services.