Mary Ann Arbige, 77, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 11:38 a.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Harvest Acres Nursing and Rehab in Keota, Iowa.
She was born on March 5, 1949, the daughter of Clarence Junior and Mary Reba (Sturgis) Wendland. On October 7, 2000, she married Robert Arbige in Nashua, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 2015.
She is survived by her daughter: Breena Wendland of California; grandchildren: Kayla Wendland of California, Isaac Davis, Eli Davis and Solomon Davis of Danville, Iowa; brothers: Mike Wendland of West Point, Iowa, Charles (Pam) Wendland of Brookville, Indiana; nieces and nephews: Angie (Chad) Lynch, Tracy (Bill) Knowles, David Wendland, Mike (Erica) Wendland, Anthony (Lisa) Wendland and Michelle (Rich) Wisecarver. Also surviving are several great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Robert; brother: Gordon Wendland; nephew: William Wendland and niece: Wilma Wendland.
Mary was a graduate of Keokuk High School. She worked at Community Action in Burlington. She was member of a local trike club in Burlington. Mary enjoyed traveling with her husband Robert and spending time with her grandchildren. She was known by all for her love of her cats.
Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established in her memory for dementia research.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
