Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her three daughters; Donna Gates of Littleton, Colorado, Sherry Koinzan of Englewood, Colorado and Debbie Haney of Englewood, Colorado, grandchildren; Amy Seigel, Jeff and Jared Gates, Bobby and Phillip Lingo, Troy Blackard and Jeremy Blackard. She is also survived by great grandchildren; Gavin, Logan, Cayden and Wyatt Gates, Zander and Garrett Seigel, Joey, Anna and Alexa Lingo, and Laela Blackard. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Della Lafon, and son Jim Childers and step son Richard Childers.
Mary grew up in a small town in Missouri, where she was one of eleven children. She left school after the eighth grade to stay home and help with the house and family. In 1941 she meets Robert, shortly after he left for the war, while he was overseas, he would write her several love letters and she fell in love. In 1945 when he returned, they were married. A few years after their oldest Donna was born, they moved to Colorado where they would raise 4 wonderful children.
Mary worked for the Englewood School District where she was a Cafeteria Manager for 25+ years. She was also very active in the Church, where she would attend service every weekend. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up and later in life her great grandchildren grow up. She loved life, her friends and most of all her family.
Mary was a dynamic woman whose impact will be forever felt by her family, and those who loved her. Her passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of her loved ones. Her ability to provide, support, forgive, and love will forever be ingrained in all that she was.
