Mary Hale

Mary Grace Darby Hale, 100 years old, entered her eternal home on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, after a brief illness. Born January 28, 1922, to Benjamin and Eleanor Darby in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mary was the youngest of 6 children. Mary graduated from High School and continued her education at Draughn’s Business College. Raised in the Methodist Church, Mary met the love of her life, David Hale, in the church’s Fellowship Class. They became engaged, but when World War II broke out, David, who was a member of the Minnesota Coast Guard Artillery, was shipped to San Francisco on December 8, 1941. Mary courageously travelled across the country alone so they could get married on January 6, 1942. Though their wedding plans changed dramatically, it was one of the best days of her life. Their marriage lasted over 75 years until her beloved David passed away on June 9, 2017.

While married to David, who served as a Chief Warrant Officer and Band Director in the Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force, she was an amazing wife and mother of two children while being stationed on four different continents: North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Having an eye for perfection and attention to detail, Mary excelled in tasks at home and at work.

Throughout her long life, she served in various positions ranging from a dental assistant, secretary, bank teller, Air Force payroll clerk, accounting clerk, and an Instructor of Financial Management at Sheppard AFB in 1985. Mary was in the Civil Service for 23 years and retired with a rank of GS-9.

After her retirement, Mary kept the books for her husband’s piano tuning business. She also enjoyed traveling with the Wichita Wagons and the Texas Good Sam’s Club. Sometimes she and David would take their granddaughters with them on short and long trips, the most memorable being a long trek to Prince Edward Island in Canada. Of course, her membership in a United Methodist Church remained constant her entire life and she supported the churches with her prayers, presence, gifts, and service.

Family and friends were such an important part of Mary’s life. Since she lived to be 100 years old (the first to do so in her family tree), she outlived so many of her family and friends. Mary liked to keep her mind sharp and active. She could do any crossword puzzle or jumble in the paper. Whether it was bowling as a younger woman (highest score of 224), singing alto in choir, playing cards and dominoes, potlucks, fellowships, or presenting hilarious skits with her husband in variety shows, Mary was a delight and brought laughs and joy to everyone in her company. Her smile was contagious, and her laugh was genuine. She will be missed.

Perhaps the most recent highlight of her life was her 100th Birthday Celebration. The cards and memories brought much joy and delight to her during her last days. Many thanks to all who participated in making her milestone birthday so wonderful for her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her precious daughter, Audrey Louise Voigt (2020) and a beloved granddaughter, Tracy Lynne Hale-Salkowski (2018), and her loving husband David Lincoln Hale (2017).

She is survived by many generations: Her loving son, Bruce Hale (Carol); granddaughters Mary Riggs Cuyno, Terri Hale Whitgrove (Lee), and Christina Riggs (Greg) and grandson by marriage Mo Salkowski; Great-grandchildren, David Cuyno, Jaclyn Cuyno, Shane Whitgrove, McKinsey Whitgrove (Cody Fry), Anna Whitgrove, Autumn Rebekah Whitgrove (Rudy Guerrero), Kimberlee Lott (Dalton), Hayden Whitgrove (Hannah Wolfe), Caleb Riggs (Ashley), Aaron Riggs (Niki Reynolds), Bruce “Dawson” Hale and BoWynne Hale; and 7 great-great grandchildren Leona Fry, Alistair Riggs, Milo Fry, Isla Guerrero, Kallie Lott, Waylon Lott and soon-to-arrive Esme’ Guerrero.

Visitation will be at Hampton Vaughn Crestview Funeral Home on Friday, February 25, from 6:00-8:00p.m. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 26, at 1:00p.m. at University United Methodist Church, 3405 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to University United Methodist Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, Hospice of Wichita Falls or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com for the Hale family.