Mary Louise Lohman-Williams

Mary Louise Lohman-Williams, 72, of La Grande, died March 25 of natural causes. A celebration of life will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Loveland Funeral Chapel. A gathering will follow at Mary's home on 2804 N. Birch St.

Mary was born Sept. 26, 1938, to Elmer F. Lohman and Neil E. Davis Lohman in Kendrick, Idaho.

On Oct. 7, 1956, she married Glenn Rey Greer. Three children were born: Joseph Allen, Ralph Carl and Lola Mae. The family moved to Union in 1967 where Mary watched over and raised the kids. Mary also worked at The Hut. The couple divorced in March 1971.

Shortly after, she was introduced to Thomas Lee Williams. They married in June 1972. Her family became larger with Sandy, Mike and Bryon. Tom moved the family to Baker City and Juneau, Alaska, where Mary worked as a bookkeeper. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, crabbing, walking the rock beach and preparing what Tom and Joe hunted.

They moved to Sitka, Alaska, where Mary first experienced clamming. She learned quickly to soak the clams overnight in cornmeal. She enjoyed her first taste of abalone. Those who knew Mary say she was a country girl and loved the wilderness. Mary was impressed with Southeast Alaska.

Mary and Tom made their final move to La Grande in 1976. They divorced in 1986.

Mary was proud of her home and was always improving its appearance. Mary was often outside tending her garden and flowers, which she was good at.

Mary worked with food service in the La Grande School District for 27 years. People who knew her say she was a great cook and baker. Mary took pride in her work and was a hard worker.

Survivors include Joe and Toni Greer, Ralph Carl Greer, Lola Mae and Brian Shaw, Sandy and Lyle Carson, Mike and Val Williams, Bryon Williams and Tom Williams; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn Rey Greer and Michael Scott Greer; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

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