Mary Woodruff Krohn

Mary Woodruff Krohn, born Mary Catherine Banks on August 2, 1919, in Houghton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, in Oro Valley, Arizona, at the remarkable age of 106.
Mary led a long and vibrant life marked by devotion to family, a passion for the arts, and a gift for bringing people together. A graduate of Houghton High School, she later pursued college-level studies in art and art history, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for creativity and culture.
Known for her warmth and hospitality, Mary was a gracious hostess and gifted conversationalist. Whether preparing an intimate dinner or orchestrating a festive gathering, she found joy in entertaining and creating spaces filled with laughter and connection. Her humor, kindness, and inclusivity were legendary among those who knew her.
Mary was the youngest of the five children of George and Gertrude Banks. She was a devoted partner to her first husband, Frank G. Woodruff, supporting his career with her keen memory for names and faces and her welcoming spirit. Together they raised a large family. After Frank's passing, Mary found companionship again in marriage to Herbert F. Krohn. Mary extended her affection to Herb's children and grandchildren and enjoyed their family gatherings and shared travel adventures.
Mary was the proud mother of seven children. She is lovingly remembered by her surviving children: daughters Susan Woodruff and Barbara Bartlett; sons Jim Woodruff, Mike Woodruff, and Bruce Woodruff. She was known as "Tiatia" (YaYa) to her 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Family events were important to Mary. Skiing vacations in Park City, UT were often multigenerational. Summers in Houghton with her family of origin, many cousins, friends from high school and her own large family created wonderful memories. Reunions in Oracle Arizona were highlighted.
She was predeceased by her husbands Frank G. Woodruff and Herbert F. Krohn; as well as daughters Patricia M. Woodruff and Jane B. Woodruff.
Mary Woodruff Krohn leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and enduring family bonds. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to generations to come.
Mary's family would like to thank the staff at Sonora Madera for all their loving kindness during her stay in that facility. We thank her caregivers, especially Yolanda, for their tenderness, caring, laughter, cajoling and genuine love of our mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary's name to The Church of the Apostles, Tucson, Arizona, The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF), and Saavi Services for the Blind, Tucson, Arizona.