Mary Bell Seaton

Funeral Services for Mary Bell Seaton, 90, of Seaton, will be Friday at 10:30 am at the Center Presbyterian Church, Seaton. Burial will be in Candor Cemetery, rural Seaton. Visitation is Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Memorials may be made to the Seaton Community Club or Center Presbyterian Church. Mary died on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at Rosewood Care Center, Moline. Mary was born on November 14, 1914 in Seaton, Illinois to John Charles and Lucy (Bell) Seaton. She attended MacMurray College for two years and the University of Illinois for 2 years, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Mary taught commercial subjects in secondary schools at Reynolds and Viola for four years. In 1944, Mary joined the State Bank of Seaton as Bookkeeper and became a Director in 1949. In 1966 she became Vice President, and assumed that role until her retirement in December of 2000. Mary was a charter member of two organizations: the Aledo Business and Professional Women, of which she was Woman of the Year in 1997 and the Mercer County Historical Society. She was a lifetime member of the Historical Society, The University of Illinois Alumni Association, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, and of the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church. Mary has also received her 50 year pin from the Community Bank Association of Illinois. Mary was a very active member of the Center Presbyterian Church, being treasurer for 25 years, organist, choir member and leading bible study. In 1991 the Seaton Community club awarded Mary a Lifetime Community Service Award. Mary also enjoyed swimming, photography, music, bridge club and traveling the world. Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Doris Seaton of Seaton; 2 nieces and spouses: Terry & Chuck Petit of Agoura Hills, CA and Barbara “B.J.” and Mike Downes of Davenport and a nephew and spouse, William G. & Julie Seaton of Roeland Park, KA; and 6 great nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, William G. Seaton and John C. Seaton, Jr. and a great-nephew, J.C. Seaton III.