Mary Larson

Longtime Harborite, Mary Frances Larson, died Wednesday, March 26, 2014 after a valiant 14 year battle with cancer. She was 79 years old. She was born April 19, 1934 in London, Kentucky, to Tim and Mittie (George) Pennington. She was a 2 pound “preemie”, born in a one room log cabin in the hills of Kentucky. Her great-grandmother saved her life by lining a cardboard box with cotton and placing her in the warming oven of the cook stove. This was her “incubator” for 3 months. Her parents moved many times and she attended 14 different elementary and high schools. Her parents followed the “fruit tramp” during the depression. They would harvest tobacco in Kentucky, pick oranges in California, hops in Oregon, apples and strawberries in Washington and then they would go back to Kentucky for the winter. By the time she was 7, Mary had driven this triangle 7 times. When World War Two began, the family settled in Central Oregon until the war’s end and then settled in Hoquiam in 1950. She graduated as Salutatorian with the class of 1952. She was active in high school activities, serving as student body secretary, Hesperian editor and a member of the honor society, Pepsters and Spanish Club. She was awarded a four year PTA Scholarship to what was then Central Washington State College, graduating in 1956. In college, she was president of FTA, a member of Spurs (a sophomore women’s service club), Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, The Herodoteans (a history club) and worked on the yearbook for four years, the Hyakem, serving as photography editor, assistant editor, editor and student advisor. She co-chaired Dad’s Day Weekend, served on the Associated Women’s Counsel, was given the Award of Distinction and elected to be included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

She began teaching English and Business Education at Hoquiam High School in 1956, transferring to Central Grade School in 1961 where she taught remedial reading in grades one through six. In 1967 she moved to South Aberdeen and taught at Stevens Grade School for the next 24 years, retiring in 1991. She taught special education, grades 2, 3, and 4 and many combination 2-3 classes.

Mary married Louie Larson of Aberdeen, August 25, 1956 and they enjoyed almost 57 years together until his death in 2013. She and Louie enjoyed traveling throughout the Western States on their Honda Goldwing. When they retired they turned to RVing, putting many miles on their motor home. One of their favorite trips was a summer in Alaska. She enjoyed camping and hunting with her husband and son, sometimes bagging the first buck of the season. She and her family spent most of their summers at the cabin at Lake Nahwatzel where she learned to water ski before she could swim. She considered her greatest adult accomplishment, learning to swim when she was 40 years old. She was an avid bowler, bowling many years in the Tri-City League, serving as its president for ten years. When she retired, she joined the Harbor Retreads and Die Hards Senior Leagues at Aberdeen Rec and Monte Lanes. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, scrabble, crossword puzzles and baking. She was well known for her pies, especially wild blackberry. She enjoyed watching the Seattle Seahawks and the Mariners on TV, and going to see the Mariners play at Safeco Field. A real nut at Christmas time, she decorated the home lavishly, and made many special Christmas decorations for her family and friends. She was a member of the Aberdeen VFW Auxiliary 224, Aberdeen Eagles, Grays Harbor Women’s Bowling Association and the Washington State Retired Teachers.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, her parents, brother Charles “Buddy”, and sister Claudie. She is survived by 2 daughters: Jenny (Larry) House, Nancy (Dale) Benner, a son: Mark (Carol) Larson; ten grandchildren: Shawn Murphie, Ariel Murphie, Kelly Hogan, William Benner, Cameron Benner, Emily Ann Pratt, Lisa Ross, Kevin House, Lynsi Polanco and Matt House; and five great-grandchildren and a very special niece, Betty Reeson and her family.

A celebration of Mary’s life for friends and family will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, April 5th at the Aberdeen Eagles. A private family service will be held at Fern Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials may be made to P.A. W.S. of Grays Harbor, P.O. Box 451, Aberdeen, WA 98520

A card of condolence with a message or a memory may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Larson, please visit our flower store.