Mary Eva Doney

died Apr 9 2013 at 101 years of age. She was born Mary E Hoffart Aug 2 1911, on a farm near Rugby ND, the oldest of five children. Her education was in a one-room school house, and a boarding school. In the 1930’s she earned a BS degree in Nursing from Creighton University, Omaha NE. She met Daniel Goerger in 1945 while working at the VA Hospital, Fort Harrison MT, and in 1947 they married. They had one son, John W Goerger, born Apr 2 1951. They were residing in Arlee MT in 1960 when Dan, a high school teacher, died from complications of injuries received in the US Army during WW II, and was buried in Missoula MT. Mary and son then moved to Missoula. In the fall of 1966, Mary and Vernon M Doney, a mobile home dealer from Boise ID, were married. In 1968 they moved to Tustin CA and in 1970 to Boise ID. In 1979 they settled at Leisure World in Mesa, AZ. Vern died in 1991. Mary was a volunteer for more than a decade at Southwest Eye Clinic until 2008. She was absolutely thrilled when she reached the age of 100. She will be remembered for her warmth, caring and ability to always look on the bright side of any situation. She is survived by her son, John, and her step-son Edward Doney. On the eve of her 100th birthday, she made a video in which she told of her family and her life. This may be viewed at doney.net/mary. Visitation will be on Monday Apr 15 from 3-5 pm at Melcher Mortuary 6625 E Main St, Mesa AZ. The service will be at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Road, Mesa, at 11:00 am, Tuesday April 16 with a reception after.

"I had a wonderful life. ... There isn't anybody that goes through life that hasn't got trouble. So why elaborate on it? Take each day at a time and make the best of what you've got."

--Mary E. Doney