Mary Frances Hunsaker Strait

Mary Frances Hunsaker Strait, a remarkable angel, poet, artist, and devoted wife and mother to 4 children and 2 stepchildren graduated to heaven on January 16, 2021 in Apache Junction, Arizona. She was 84 years old at her passing.

Mary was born in Elida, New Mexico on November 2nd, 1936 to Robert and Esta Bates. She was one of 12 children. Mary lived in Lehi where she graduated from Mesa High School in the class of 1956. She married Jan L Hunsaker on June 1, 1956 and gave birth to Vonnie Randall, Sharleen Jensen (Dan), Kalle Hunsaker, and Kerri Sevison (Jeffrey). Mary was married to Virgil L. Strait on May 12, 1999 and became a stepmother to Thad Strait (Joyce) and Josh Strait. Virgil and Mary were sealed in the Mesa temple on November 2, 2000 for time and all eternity.

A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mary was always very active in her wards. She served with the young women at Girls camp and was known as the “Craft Lady” in the Tempe 8th ward for many years. She was also known as the “flower lady” and provided home-grown fresh roses for her weekly church services. Mary’s super-delicious homemade pies and New Zealand desserts are legendary. She was an expert quilter, winning a blue ribbon at the Arizona State Fair. She made tee-pee tents by hand for family, friends, and neighbors. As a gifted poet, Mary would often write poems about her favorite topics including angels, Jesus Christ, and family. Mary was a force to be reckoned with in any thrift-store as she had a bloodhound’s nose for finding deals. Above all, Mary was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and was constantly serving those in need.

Mary is survived by her husband Virgil; daughters Vonnie Randall, Sharleen Jensen (Dan), and Kerri Sevison (Jeffrey); son Kalle Hunsaker; stepson Thad Strait (Joyce); sisters Bobbie Bernard (Buddy), Jackie Benham (Bob), Pat Melcher (Tom), Rona Fort (Larry); brother Jerry Dean “Lucky” Bates (Polly); 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services, in Mary's honor, will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021. Visitation at 9:00 am and Funeral Service at 10:00 am at Green Acres Chapel (401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251). Service will be livestreamed on www.greenacresmortuary.com.

Donations may be made to the Orthostatic Tremor Research and Education Fund:

https://nufoundation.org/fund/01130710