Mary Jessie Dodd Ottinger, age 87, went home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2015. She was surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born to Tom and Irene Dodd in Orange, Texas on July 8, 1927. She had one brother, John. After World War II, while working at the Naval station in Orange, Texas, she met the love of her life, Charles Ottinger. It was love at first sight. Mary never missed an opportunity to share the story of “that cute little Ensign with blue eyes” who stole her heart away.
Mary and Charles married on June 29, 1947. They had three children, Bonnie, Linda and Tom. Mary was a wonderful mother and a loving wife. All who knew her thought of her as a beautiful woman with a kindness and grace that radiated from within. Even as Alzheimer’s stole her bright and inquisitive mind, her beautiful smile continued to charm everyone she met. Her favorite phrase during the last several years was, “Happy, happy.”
Mary raised her children to love the Lord and to realize that there were no limits in life as long as one did everything to the very best of their ability. She worked tirelessly to support Charles in his business, often waking up early on rainy Friday mornings to “make payroll” for the construction crews.
Mary loved music. She learned to play the piano at an early age and started dancing as a child. When she and Charles met, they started dancing as a couple. Their favorite dance tune was “May I Have This Dance for the Rest of My Life?” Mary is now waiting in Heaven for Charles to join her in their last dance for the rest of eternity.
Mary had many interests: reading, current events, teaching children’s Sunday School, travel, interior decorating, gardening, drawing, painting and sewing. Mary was a natural artist. She instilled in her children a love of art and nature. She loved roses and had a wonderful rose garden. She frequently fashioned bouquets to share with friends and family.
Mary is survived by her husband, Charles L. Ottinger; three children and spouses: Bonnie Gordon and Bob; Linda Headley and Tim; and her “favorite son”, Charles Thomas Ottinger. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren and spouses: Heather Thiel and Kyle; Janna Grigorieva and Eugene; Chad Hoopingarner and Emily; Jen Amundgaard and Ben; Sean Phoenix and Krissy; and Jonathan Phoenix and Candice. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren: Olive Thiel; Kate and Callie Hoopingarner; Sophia and Dylan Amundgaard; Tyler and Charlotte Phoenix; and Nyjah and Kenai Phoenix.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 27th at 12:30 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Houston. Following the service there will be a reception at Memorial Oaks. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Houston.
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