Marion Ankeny Mentz, 98, of Austin, Minnesota, died in the early morning hours of Friday March 3, 2017, at Our House Memory Care.

She was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota, to LeRoy and Effie Ankeny on May 23, 1918. She and her family later moved to Austin where she resided for most of her life. Marion moved to Washington where she met and later married Ezra Y. Mentz on Feb. 11, 1943, in San Fernando, California. They moved home to Lansing, Minnesota, in 1945 where they ran a grocery store until 1949. They then moved to Austin where she lived until the time of her death.

Marion enjoyed being home raising her children. She had many talents such as sewing, baking and ironing which she used to earn a living while staying home. After her children were grown, she went to work for her brother, Bud Ankeny, at Ankeny Cleaners. She went on to Manage Ankeny Mini Mart #1 for her brother, Stan Ankeny, for several years.

In her free time, Marion enjoyed spending time with her husband, walking, golfing, and traveling. Marion was a very strong, kindhearted, loving woman. She was a wonderful mother and friend. She spent much of her time serving others, helping her friends and volunteering at church and nursing homes.

She is survived by her children James (Cheryl) Mentz of Austin, Jane Mentz Bartness of Faribault, Minnesota, and John (Karen) Mentz of Owatonna, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezra “Red” Mentz; her parents, LeRoy and Effie Ankeny; three brothers; and two sisters.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2017, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Greg Leif officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.