Mary A. Rost

Mary A. Rost, 63 of La Grande died July 24 of natural causes.

A celebration of life will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1308 Washington Ave., La Grande.

Mary was born Jan. 11, 1944, to John F. and Agnes M. (Haney) Dorsch in Stevens Point, Wis. She was raised in Redmond and graduated from Redmond High School in 1962. In 1966 she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Willamette University. There she met her husband, Kenneth D. Rost, and they married that year.

She received her teaching credentials from Portland State University and taught eighth grade in Lade Oswego from 1966 to 1970. Ken and Mary lived in various places while Ken finished his medical degree, before settling in La Grande in 1978. Once in La Grande, Mary dedicated her time to her family and to managing the household. She also worked part-time at Sunflower Books and was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church.

Mary's hobbies included horseback riding, fishing, camping and music. She especially enjoyed riding horses with her family, friends and the cowgirls of the Women's Oregon Trail Riders. She also loved spending time with her family at Wallowa Lake.

Survivors include her sons and their spouses, Jeff and Tiffanie Rost of Adams and Brian and Jennifer Rost of Lolo, Mont.; two grandchildren; two brothers, John Dorsch of Pueblo, Colo. and Tony Dorsch of Redmond. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and husband.

The Rost Family wishes to thank everyone who gave their love and support to Mary over the past 19 years as she battled with cancer. Whether it was preparing meals for her, performing chores at the house, traveling with her to doctor appointments or simply keeping her company, there was always someone willing to help.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Regional Cancer Center, the Presbyterian Church Help-Fund or the Union Baptist Church - Mielke Campus Ministry Fund in care of the Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth Street, La Grande 97850