Mary Lee Morris Cowles, 79, of Altoona, Iowa, formerly of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Mary Lee's kindness, strength, confidence, and unwavering love for her family touched countless lives. She lived with purpose, embraced every opportunity to serve others, and left a lasting mark on the community she called home.
Born on September 20, 1946, in Fort Madison, Iowa, Mary Lee was the daughter of Francis and Mary (Fedler) Ort. Growing up along the Mississippi River, she developed a deep appreciation for family, friendship, hard work, and community involvement. She was a proud graduate of Fort Madison High School, Class of 1964, and went on to attend the University of Iowa earning her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing.
Mary Lee's passion for service and leadership was evident throughout her life. Her list of community involvement and accomplishments is remarkable and reflects her commitment to making a difference wherever she lived. She served as President of the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce, President of the Welcome Wagon, President of the Fort Madison High School Vocal Boosters, Director of the Fort Madison Athletic Boosters, Tri-State Rodeo Chairperson, President of the Fort Madison Board of Realtors, member of both the Iowa and National Board of Realtors, member of the Southeastern Community College Foundation Board, Board Member of the Fort Madison Art Association, Board Member of the Fort Madison Public Library, and President of the Iowa State Student Athlete Parent Association.
Professionally, Mary Lee worked for Bell Company in Kentucky, served as a volunteer firefighter with the Worthington Fire Department in Kentucky. After moving their family from Kentucky to Iowa, she built a successful career in real estate beginning in 1983 in Fort Madison. She was never one to stop learning or challenging herself, she became a licensed appraiser in 2002. Her professional accomplishments were numerous, but those who knew her best would simply describe her as a "bad ass" in everything she did. She approached life fearlessly, worked tirelessly, and inspired others through her example.
On August 30, 1969, in Fort Madison, Mary Lee married Jack Morris. Together they shared 30 years of marriage and raised two children, Matt and Carey. Later in life, she found love again and married Roger Cowles on July 4, 2010.
While her professional and community accomplishments were impressive, Mary Lee's greatest joy was always her family. She cherished every holiday, gathering, celebration, and sporting event that involved her children and grandchildren. Her love for her son, Matt, and daughter, Carey, was immeasurable, but becoming "Nana" brought her a special kind of happiness. She rarely missed an event involving Jackson, Henry, Charley, or Savannah and became especially skilled at coaching referees from the stands. Whether it was a volleyball match, football game, school event, or performance, Nana was there cheering loudly, supporting fiercely, and loving unconditionally.
Mary Lee had a gift for bringing people together. She loved playing cards, especially Euchre, Bridge, Samba, Blackjack, and just about any game that involved family, friends, and a little healthy competition. She spent winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida and made entertaining look effortless. Her home was always welcoming, her table was always beautifully set, and there was always room for one more guest. Placemats, linens, laughter, and good conversation were staples of any gathering she hosted.
In recent years, she became an enthusiastic fan of sports. She followed Caitlin Clark's career from Iowa to the Indiana Fever and developed a particular passion for NFL football, rarely missing a Sunday, Monday, or Thursday night game.
Mary Lee is survived by her children, Matt (Jan) Morris of Fort Madison and Carey (Brad) Warren of Altoona, Iowa; her beloved grandchildren, Jackson Morris, Henry Morris, Charley Warren, and Savannah Warren; her brothers, Greg (Brenda) Ort and Russ (Jan) Ort; nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Mary Ort; her first husband, Jack Morris; and her second husband, Roger Cowles.
Though our hearts are broken, we celebrate a life that was lived fully, generously, and with an unmatched enthusiasm for people. Mary Lee believed that life was meant to be shared with family gathered around the table, friends gathered around a card game, and strangers who simply hadn't become friends yet.
For as long as her children and grandchildren can remember, she ended countless conversations with the same simple challenge: "Make a new friend today." It wasn't just a phrase she repeated, it was the way she lived her life. She believed every person had a story worth hearing, every friendship had value, and every day offered an opportunity to make someone's life a little brighter.
Her grandchildren will forever remember a Nana who never stopped believing in them. Her children will remember a mother whose love was fierce, whose support was unwavering, and whose example taught them how to show up for the people they love.
If there is one way to honor Mary Lee, it is to live as she did with a smile on your face, kindness in your heart, and room at your table for one more person. Make the phone call. Attend the game. Invite the neighbor. Share the laugh. And most importantly, as Mary Lee would remind us almost daily: "Make a new friend today." In doing so, her spirit will continue to live on in all of us. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave Poland officiating. A private family burial will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison. A memorial has been established in Mary Lee’s name. Online condolences to Mary Lee’s family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
