Mary Ellen Gerety
September 30, 2013
Obituary
SALEM, OREGON-Mary Ellen Graves Gerety, age 97, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at the United Methodist Retirement Center in Salem, Ore. Mary Ellen was born on Aug. 13, 1916, to James Anderson Graves and Florence Eloise Collins in Mullins, S.C. She had one sister and four brothers. Mary Ellen graduated with honors from Lakeview High School and attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C. She taught kindergarten and first grade. Mary Ellen married the love of her life John Francis Gerety II at the Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Feb. 7, 1942. John was in the Air Force for 22 ½ years and the family lived in Florida, Georgia, Japan, Alaska, Illinois, Washington DC, South Carolina, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Mary Ellen moved to Salem, Ore., to be near her daughter in 1992. She was a lifelong Methodist active on numerous committees and enjoyed attending Annual Conference in Wisconsin and Oregon. She was Woman of the Year for the East Side Women’s Club in Madison. Mary Ellen loved to extend her Southern hospitality to family and friends by cooking and entertaining. Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Fran Eriksen; grandsons, Brian, James and Curtis Eriksen, all of Oregon; granddaughters, Michelle McCluskey of Colorado and Shana Tucker of Nevada; great-granddaughters, Lauren and Katelyn Eriksen; great-grandsons, Johnathan and Max of Oregon; and nieces, Anna Jackson, Alexis Schlimmer, Becky Parkins, Carol Jones, and Pat Boyle. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; son, John; sister, Sophie Jean Jackson; and brothers, Howard, Luther, Charles and Marvin Graves. A service will be held at the ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK MAUSOLEUM CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Dr., Monona, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, with the Rev. Brenda Wingfield from Bashford United Methodist Church officiating . Donations may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the First United Methodist Church in Salem, Ore.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
PC
Penny Coxe
Other •
What a beautiful life Mary had. I always referred to her as my Aunt Mary and looked forward to her summer visits at my Aunt's home in South Carolina. She can now reunite with her sweetheart John and her wonderful son. May God comfort Fran and the extended family during the loss of such an important family member.
Penny Coxe
CP
Carol Proudfit
Other •
Mary Ellen was such a special lady always gracious and kind. I loved her words of wisdom in bible studies and Steven Ministry. Girl retreats and women's retreats where always special when she was there. She was always so giving.
GS
Gary & Diann Swalve
Other •
What a beautiful, elegant lady Mary Ellen was. We knew her through her son and daughter-in-law (our best friends), Jack and Sandy. It is a comfort to know that she is now with family members who have gone on before. She often told us she was anxious to be with them and more than ready after 97 years. We will see her in our mind's eye, superbly dressed in a lavender dress, impeccably accessorized. Jack shared with us the importance The Three "F"s (Faith, Family & Friends) where in his life--a value he gained, among many others, from Mary Ellen. It's OK to be sad for the loss of this wonderful lady. But, we can be happy in the knowledge of where she now is and the with whom she is spending her time. Mary Ellen, we will miss your sharp mind and keen wit. You graciously allowed us to be a part of your life. May God Bless You.
Diann & Gary (who was so honored when you referred to him as "your
other son").