Mary D. Druse

Mary was born Jan. 4, 1920 in Middletown, Pennsylvania. In about 1925, Jacob & Eva Demitruk moved the family to Walla Walla & later to Richland where she and her siblings grew up.

On March 18, 1942, Mary married Robert Druse. They lived in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho while "Bob" served in the Navy in Alaska. June 2, 1943, their first daughter "Charlene" was born then "Merrily" was born on August 9, 1946.

Mary was a beautiful swimmer. Along with Gray Lusty she helped develop the Yakima Red Cross swim program. She received her water safety instructors badge and went on to teach junior and senior life saving classes and oversee the instructors for the summer swim program. She also served as life guard at several pools until the college guards arrived home from school.

Mary was a past member of Beta Sigma Phi and Women's Century Club. She also worked for many years at Blue Ribbon Cannery in Terrace Heights becoming a floor lady.

Mary is survived by her two daughters, Charlene (Todd) Smith, Merrily (Paul) Ripplinger and one sister, Hellyn Ward. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kimberly Hayes, and Todd R. Smith, Stephanie Castello, Rhonda Martinez and Heather Ripplinger; seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Jacob & Eva Demitruk, and husband Bob Druse, three brothers, Bill, Mike & George Demitruk and one special grandson, Bradley Robert Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 23, 2012 at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Cottage in the Meadow or a charity of your choice c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home. To share a memory of Mary, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.