A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:00 am at Grace Church in Marshalltown. Family and friends are also invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Memorials in Mandy’s name may be directed to her family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Madilyn (Manning) Abernathy was born July 19, 1946, in Albany, Missouri, the daughter of George and Jeanne (Strong) Manning. She graduated from Albany High School with the Class of 1964 and went on to continue her education at Northwest Missouri State, pursuing a path that reflected her quiet determination and strong sense of self-reliance.

In 1966, Mandy married Jerry Lee VanHoutan. Their time together marked an important chapter in her life, and from that union, she began her journey into motherhood. Though the couple later divorced, Mandy remained devoted to raising her children with strength and love. She later married Gerald Abernathy in 1979, and her family expanded once more. When this marriage ended, she again worked hard to transition, focusing on life, her business, her church, and her family with resilience and grace.

Mandy's professional life reflected her nurturing spirit and entrepreneurial drive. For two decades, she operated an in-home daycare, where her natural gift for caring for children flourished. Her home became a haven of warmth and learning for countless little ones, and the families she served became extended family to her. Later, she channeled her people skills into real estate, working both independently and with established firms like Premier Real Estate while also owning several rental properties over the years. Her business acumen also led her to become a self-employed income tax preparer–a role she found rewarding for the flexibility it provided and the chance to help others in a meaningful way.

A woman of deep compassion, Mandy's heart extended far beyond her immediate circle. She was a devoted volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, dedicating countless hours to their mission of providing aid to those in need around the world. Her faith guided her service, whether she was packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child or supporting disaster relief efforts.

Equally passionate was her love for cats, and her home was often filled with rescued felines who found sanctuary and companionship in her care. She also found joy in gardening, taking long walks, going to the movies, and spending meaningful time with her grandchildren. Mandy had a deep appreciation for being part of a church community and was always quick to offer support, encouragement, or a helping hand to others. Her generous spirit extended far beyond home, as she traveled extensively around the world, embracing new places and cultures with open arms and a genuine love for experiencing the richness of each journey.

Mandy took great pride in maintaining a clean, welcoming home. She had a special fondness for decorating and delighted in small traditions that made her house feel special–especially during the holidays. At Christmas time, she faithfully placed candles in each window, a glowing symbol of warmth and hospitality that reflected her love of home and family.

Mandy is lovingly survived by her children: Laura Elliston of Jonesville, MI; Tracy (Jennifer) VanHoutan of Downers Grove, IL; Gordon Jay (Ilze) VanHoutan of Riga, Latvia; and Brandy (Garry) Staker of Marshalltown, IA. She also leaves behind her stepchildren, Greg (Naida) and Glena (Robert). Mandy’s legacy lives on through her many cherished grandchildren: Ciara, Madison, Conner, Emily, Colette, Krish, Vincent, Skylar, Gavin, Nora, Amelia, Jenny, Scott, Vanessa, Edna, Blaine, Matthew, Megan, and Tori. She is also survived by her brother Max (Linda) Manning of Michigan, along with several other close relatives and extended family members, including the many families she cared for through her in-home daycare, who remained dear to her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jeanne; her sister, Meredith Good; her second husband, Gerald Abernathy; her stepson, Randy and his wife Julie; and her grandchildren, Noah and Laine VanHoutan.