Mary Ellen (Hughes) King was born May 18, 1923 in Randolph, Iowa. She spent her early life living on a farm with her parents, Anthony "Tony" Hughes and Agnes Marie (McCardle) Hughes, between Imogene and Randolph.

Mary Ellen graduated from Randolph High School in 1940. She was united in marriage in 1940 to Donald "Don" J. King at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene, Iowa. The couple continued to reside in Imogene after their marriage.

Mary Ellen was a fantastic mom of seven children. She often called herself a "RAGOLOGIST", which means she washed stoves, butts and refrigerators; not necessarily in that order! She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene, Iowa. Mary Ellen loved to dance. She loved fashion and she loved people; after all, she was the "Social Director" of the Emerald Isle.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Don King; mother, Agnes Hughes; father, Anthony Hughes; brother, Tony Hughes; sister, Naomi Hughes; brother, Earl Hughes; sister, Lenora Hughes and brother, Marty Hughes and Donnie Hughes. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri King of Omaha, NE; son, Ron King and wife Judy of Las Cruces, NM; daughter Lynn Breedlove and husband Tom of Houston, TX; daughter, Jo Ellen Shane of Shenandoah; daughter, Charlene Padden and husband John of Kansas City, MO; son, Jim King and Judy Gradoville of Omaha, NE; son Jerry King and wife Cheryl of Blue Springs, MO; 31 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; her brothers, Tommy Hughes of Adair, IA. Pat Hughes of Phoenix, AZ and Ronnie Hughes of Des Moines, IA, as well as other relatives and a host of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 2, 2006, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. Celebrant was Rev. Kenneth Gross. Serving as Eucharistic Ministers were Bernadette Stanbrough, John Martin, Jr., and Sandy Bugg. Altar servers were Andrew Hughes, Nick Laughlin and Ryan Laughlin. Lectors were Amanda Hughes and Heather Laughlin. Organist was Mary Beth Gowing. Vocalist was Susie Schaaf, who sang, "Ave, Maria" and "Irish Blessing". Curtis Pelster played "O' Danny Boy" and "When The Saints Come Marching In" on his trumpet. Attending the memory register were Betty McGargill and Sally Conners. Ushers were Jude Hughes, Pat Hughes and Dean Anstey. Casket bearers were Ron King, Jimmy King, Jerry King, John Padden, Tom Breedlove and Ron Hughes. Bell toller was Jerry McDonald. Interment was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery at Imogene. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.