Mary L. Carlson, 91, of Keokuk passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at River Hills Village in Keokuk surrounded by her family. She was born May 9, 1926 in rural Keokuk, the daughter of Harvey and Pearl Krumm Phillips. She graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1943. On July 21, 1946 she was united in marriage to Chester R. Carlson. He preceded her in death on October 10, 2008. Mary had been employed by George Norman as a legal secretary for thirty years. She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church where she served on the board and Alter Guild. She was treasurer of WEICA, scholarship memorial fund. She was also a member of Sarah Circle. As a couple, Mary and Chester enjoyed camping, traveling, dancing and time with family. She is survived by three sons, Gary Carlson (Katy) of Iowa City, IA, Dan Carlson (Debra) of Urbandale, IA and Tom Carlson (Diane) of Keokuk, five grandchildren Celeste Edge (Dewey), Ryan Carlson (Leslie), Nathan Carlson (Jennifer), Ann Wunderlich (Daniel) and Brett Carlson, eight great-grandchildren Josh McClintock, Matt Carlson, Paige Carlson, Emma Wunderlich, Zach Edge, Amber Edge, Christian Staack and Devin Staack, numerous nieces and nephews, two sisters-in-law, Helen Turtle (Harold) and Doris Carlson. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Dolores Johnson, Jean Schmid and Pat Schulte. A funeral service was held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Reverend Rodney Underwood. Burial was in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church Alter Guild.