Mary Thelma Dawson Kludas, 83, of Monticello passed away at 1:58 p.m., May 21, 2013 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.

Mary was born on December 16, 1929 in Hawkinsville, GA, the daughter of Thomas Sheldon and Mary Lou (Mays) Dawson. She met the love of her life, James Ralph Kludas in Atlanta, GA and they married on March 22, 1953 in Hawkinsville, GA. He passed away December 23, 2000.

Survivors include her daughters; Sandra Kludas and Bev Kludas both of Bloomington, IL and Marilyn (Bruce) Aboff of Alexandria, VA., and 2 grandchildren; Jimmy and Sam Aboff. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Mary lived in Cherokee and West Des Moines, IA and Decatur, IL before settling in Monticello, IL in 1969. Mary worked as a secretary for the Monticello United Methodist Church, a realtor for Pioneer Realty, and was owner/broker of Dependable Realty before retiring in 1999. Mary was an active member of the Monticello United Methodist Church, Prairie Ladies Investors, the Woman’s Club, and the Piatt County Home Extension.

Mary will be remembered for being a loving wife and mother. She was kind, generous, and always gave her best no matter what she tackled. She was respected both personally and professionally.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Monticello United Methodist Church with Rev. Greg Courtright officiating. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cherokee, IA at a later date. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Monticello United Methodist Church or the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902.