Mary Joy Rex

1939 - 2025

Mary Joy (Dehlbom) Rex, 86

Mary Joy Becklen Dehlbom Rex peacefully passed from this life on September 29, 2025, at Valley Vista Nursing Home in Sandpoint, ID.

She was born Mary Joy Bradley to Major Justice Bradley and Elsie Marie Mark Bradley on January 29, 1939. She spent her early years in a small house on an island in Bridger, MT. Later, she entered foster care in Red Lodge, MT, where she was adopted by her foster mother, Alice A. Becklen (Lt. Col., U.S. Army Nurse Corps, Ret.). Mary graduated from Red Lodge High School in 1957 and went on to earn her teaching degree at the University of Western Montana in Dillon, MT.

Mary found her faith in Jesus early in life while attending church with a friend's sister, and from that moment forward, she considered God her true Father. She loved painting, creative writing, and composing inspirational poetry. In high school, Mary was active in band, cheerleading, the twirling squad, 4-H, and Girl Scouts. She also loved to dance and enjoyed music of all kinds, later becoming a member of Sweet Adelines as an adult.

Mary was the last surviving of five sisters. Despite being separated in foster care, she remained in contact with her three younger sisters over the years. She was able to reconnect with one later in life, and sadly was never able to locate the last.

She taught school in Shelby, MT, and Kellogg, ID, and also worked in Kellogg as a window dresser for Hutton's Department Store and as a bank teller. After moving her family to Coeur d'Alene, ID, she worked as a bank teller, an office worker for Tidyman's Foods, and later as a housekeeper and household manager.

Mary was blessed with two children: Wayne Scott Dehlbom (Lynelle) and Kelly Lynn Pedro (Ron). She was the proud grandmother of seven: Shaun Dehlbom (Nickey), Kerry Ayers (Kevin), Cory Gralfs (Kyle), Edward Widmer (Dayana), Jay Widmer, Christopher Dehlbom (Cassandra), and Micaela O'Dell (Taylor). She also delighted in her 17 great-grandchildren. Mary not only raised her two children but also helped raise several of her grandchildren, including Shaun, Kerry, Cory, Eddie, and Jay, as well as others.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Kelly Pedro, and by her former husbands, Ron Rex and Wayne Dehlbom.

Mary was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Rest peacefully with Jesus, Mom-you have done well.

A viewing will be held at 10:00AM, Friday, October 10, 2025 at Dalton Gardens Church of Christ (6439 N. 4th St. Dalton Gardens, Idaho 83815). The funeral service will follow at 11:00AM. Mary will be laid to rest at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.

Please visit Mary's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com