Mary Lois Kline

Mary went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 1, 2022. Mary's life was characterized by determination, enthusiasm, strength, gentle caring and her devotion to God. She was the oldest of 11 children, born to Orval and Lois Heath and raised in Highland Park, a suburb of Los Angeles. She graduated from Seattle Pacific College with a B.S. in zoology and a minor in chemistry. During WWII, she taught chemistry at Central College in McPherson, Kansas, where she caught the eye of a tall, dark, and handsome military man who had just returned from the war. After a six-month courtship she married the man of her dreams and they spent the next 60 years together. The newlyweds made their first home in McPherson, Kansas, but soon left for Africa to serve as missionaries with the Free Methodist Church for the next 14 years. Their missionary work took them to South Africa, Rhodesia, the Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda. The Kline family adventures in Africa are an amazing testimony of God's provision in the midst of difficulties as told by Mary in her book: "Learning to Rejoice in the Middle of……..!"

Mary and family returned from Africa and settled in Modesto, California in 1968. Mary and Phil were active members of the Modesto Free Methodist Church where Mary taught adult Bible classes for 4 decades. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Salvation Army for 15 years. She could cook, clean, teach, console, nurse, garden, and finish reading an entire book all in one day! But Mary will probably best be remembered for her love for her family and her acceptance of others, no matter their condition. Her gentle spirit and strong faith touched all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Mary is survived by her children: Paul Kline (Betty), Nancy Wonder (Peter), Patty Embree (David), David Kline (Lori), and Janet Porrazzo (Joe). Mary was also exceedingly proud of her 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 19 at 11 AM at the Life Connection Church, 1520 Rose Avenue in Modesto. All are welcome.

A graveside service for Mary will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Lakewood Memorial Park - Serenity Mausoleum, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326.

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