Mary L. Wilson, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away in her home on March 9, 2010 surrounded by her family.
Mary was born in Neosho, MO. on Jan. 5, 1927, one of 9 children born to Pearl and Alma Cantrell. The daughter of sharecropper farmers, she lived in Missouri, Arizona, and as an adult married and lived in Philadelphia, PA.
In 1947 Mary and her 2 year old daughter Shirley moved to the Yakima area to join family who resided there. She worked at the Glee Club Restaurant where she met and fell in love with WW II veteran Floyd Wilson. They were married in Yakima on May 5, 1951 until Floyd’s passing in 1997. Together they were blessed with 4 daughters.
Mary took great pride as a wife and mother, raising her girls in Yakima and devoting her life to them. From making dresses for prom to taking their boat to Vantage to go waterskiing, Mary lived her life for her girls. Although she had no sons, she loved her sons-in-law as if they were her own.
Mary was the hostess for many years at the Chalet Inn Restaurant. Some of her greatest friendships were formed with co-workers and customers of the then popular restaurant.
Mary was an accomplished seamstress, making many of her children and grand-children’s clothing, including two of her daughters’ wedding dresses. She was also a very talented quilter, hand making many beautiful quilts for family and friends. Other hobbies included reading (2-3 books per week), gardening (especially roses), baking (especially cinnamon rolls and pies), and solving crossword puzzles. Of all these things she loved, “Grandma Mary’s” greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was nothing that she would rather do than spend time with her family. She was an inspiration to us all.
Mary is survived and dearly missed by her daughters Patti Bates-Blair (Jack) of West Valley City, Utah; Cathy Biehl (Mike) of Yakima, WA; Susie Woodin (Dick) of Yakima, WA; and Barb Britz (David) of Honolulu, HI.
Grandchildren Ambyr Spencer of West Jordan, Utah; Steve Bates (Tracy) of Woodinville, WA; Andrea Johnson (Jeff) of Pasco, WA; Tess Hudson (Matt) of Pullman, WA; Callie Bowman of Spanaway, WA; Gene Woodin of Cashmere, WA; Shirley Bowman of University Place, WA; Sean Biehl (Connie) of Issaquah, WA; Aaron Biehl (Gina) of Los Angeles, CA; and Cassie Ketchum (Bryan) of Yakima, WA.
Great-grandchildren Corbyn and Cadyn Spencer of West Jordan, Utah; Connor and Kayla Biehl of Issaquah, WA; and Riley and Fisher Biehl of Los Angeles, CA.
Brothers Ted Cantrell (Margaret) of Moxee, WA; Bill Cantrell (Dorothy) of Moses Lake, WA; and sister-in-law Kathy Cantrell of Zillah, WA and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her husband Floyd and her daughter Shirley Ann Whitaker.
Mary’s family would like to thank her long-time physician Dr. Robert Kuhns and staff for their many years of tender loving care, and YVMH, Yakima Regional Rehab, North Star Lodge, and Landmark Care Center for the wonderful care they gave during her brief illness. We would like to offer a special thank you to our wonderful friends and staff at First Presbyterian Church. Your prayers, visits, and love have given us all strength during this difficult time. To our loving family and friends: your love, support, visits, meals…everything meant so much to us all.
We take great comfort in knowing that our beloved Mom is now healed. We love you and miss you Momma… you are forever in our hearts.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, March 16 at 12:30 at First Presbyterian Church – 9 S. 8th Ave. in Yakima.
Memorial contributions can be made to North Star Lodge in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home
Arrangements under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.
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