Mary L. Dixon

Mary passed away at home on November 22, 2019 surrounded by friends and family. She was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on July 20, 1934 to Richard and Victoria Funge. She grew up in Boise and graduated from St. Teresa's Academy. She then went to college at St. Mary of the Wasatch in Salt Lake City where she graduated with a degree in Education. Later she got a Master's Degree from the College of Idaho. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Darryl, her father Richard, her mother Victoria, her step-mother Ruth, and her brother Harold. Mary loved her family. She was married to Darryl for 58 years and leaves behind her three sons, Bob, James, and Dale. She referred to them as "Ma Barker and her boys." Mary also loved her three grandchildren Chris, Lauren, and Hannah dearly. Some of her happiest memories were adventures at home in the kitchen cooking with them. She often spoke how proud she was of them and how she had "the best grandkids in the world." Mary was a school teacher for over 30 years. She taught in many places including Payette, New Plymouth, and Richfield, Idaho. She was very active in professional organizations and was a past State President of the Business and Professional Women Organization as well at the Retired Teacher Organization. She was active in the community and her church as well. The family would like to thank Signature Hospice (Debbie and Kay) for their professionalism and care; Pastor Robert Cooke for bringing her peace of mind in troubled times; and especially her care-giver, Sarah Kressly. It isn't often you make a new best friend when you are in your mid-80's. But that is exactly what happened for Mary and Sarah. Sarah was there for her in ways no one else could be. She was a "Mary whisperer." She could deliver hard truths and help her come to grips with the situation at hand. Sarah could also bring out the sassy, silly side of Mary which sometimes included the teaching of new words that aren't suitable for publication here . Mary was funny, ornery, and at times a true contrarian. She will be missed. A Memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 11th at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Ontario. Services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel. Condolences can be made to Mary's family at www.shafferjensen.com. Service Details. Memorial Mass Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 | 1:00pm When: Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 1:00pm Location: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Address: 829 SW 2nd Avenue Ontario, Oregon 97914