Mary Gerry

Mary Gerry, 91, of Scappoose and formerly of La Grande, died Dec. 14, 2009, at her home. A memorial service will begin at noon July 3 at the Durkee Cemetery followed by a potluck at the Durkee School. Attendees are asked to bring a dish and a favorite story to share in lieu of flowers.

Mary was born Oct. 2, 1918, to George and Lettie Spiropolos at Baker City. After the death of her mother in the 1918 flu epidemic she grew up on Lookout Mountain with her three sisters, Ann, Catherine and Elaine.

She attended the Plano school with Miss Humble as her teacher. Mary graduated from the Baker City Academy in 1938.

In World War II, she was one of the original Women's Auxiliary Corps members stationed in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, where she earned three medals.

On May 13, 1946, she married Clifford Raymond Gerry. Their son, John, was born March 31, 1947, and their daughter, Maria, was born Aug. 8, 1951.

Mary was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad living in Huntington, La Grande, Nampa, Idaho, and Pocatello, Idaho. She retired in l974 and she and Clifford returned to Eastern Oregon and took up residence on a 63-acre farm in Durkee.

In 1982 Mary moved to Scappoose where she lived until her death.

Mary loved the mountains, especially Lookout Mountain. She was the happiest in the kitchen where those who knew her say she could outcook Betty Crocker.

She painted many beautiful paintings until she lost her sight.

Those who knew her say her faith and love for Jesus carried her through many difficult times and struggles. It gave her the courage to be positive and move on even at the last moments of her life she said, "I'm doing well."

In her last season she rejoiced in the birth of her great-granddaughter, Emerald. Family members say living with Emerald gave Mary purpose and joy every day of her life.

After Mary regained her sight, her family would go to the library and get boxes of books so she could read. It was a great gift.

She is survived by her sister, Ann Bailey; daughter, Maria Bludworth; son-in-law, Harry Bludworth; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; and son, John.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Trek International or the Durkee School. For more information, call the Bludworth Family at 503-543-2219.

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