Mary Surrell–Richards “Vacha,” 85, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, in Dubuque.

Mary was born on October 9, 1940, in Arthur, Wisconsin, to Ed and Anita (Cushman) Vacha. She lived a life devoted to her family and will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she shared with everyone around her.

She is survived by her loving children; Ruth (Alan) Andrews, Bill (Kim) Pluemer, Mary (Robb) Willis, Jo Ann Tigges, and Richard Surrell. She is also survived by her siblings; Walter Pluemer, Marlene (Ron) Hoeper, Melvin (Terry) Vacha, Merle (Pat) Vacha, Denise (Scott McCabe) Vacha, Tony (Karen) Vacha, Pat (Randy) Alexander, and Joe (Tammy) Vacha. Mary was a proud and devoted grandmother to six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Anita Vacha; her sister, Millie; her brother, Mike; her son, Louis Surrell II; and her husbands, Louis Surrell and Harold Richards.

A private service for family will be held on March 27, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, Illinois, with burial to follow at the Primitive Methodist Cemetery at Benton, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Mary will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©