A Stuart native crossed the century mark on Thursday. Mary K. Melroy was born in Stuart on November 2nd, 1917 to John and Claire Nevins. Melroy is the oldest of eight children, was baptized at All Saints Catholic Church, and attended school in Stuart through 12th grade.

Melroy then attended Ottumwa Heights Junior College in Ottumwa. After her first husband perished in a railroad accident, Mary married Charles D. “Chuck” Melroy of Winterset on December 24, 1946. Mary had three daughters and two sons with Chuck and held several out-of-home jobs. She worked for Stuart State Bank, the Polk County Auditor and Assessor, and as a secretary to a representative in the Iowa House of Representatives.

Mary is now a Des Moines resident and a member of St. Augustin’s Catholic Church.