Mary Elizabeth Ware

Mary passed away peacefully early Monday AM, March 11th with her daughter, Cindy and husband, Gary at her side. After 5 years of ever declining Alzheimer's she is now rejoicing with her Lord and Savior.

Mary was born in Sedalia, Missouri to 'Tudy' and Emmet Bohon. She was a middle child of 8 siblings. She grew up in Sedalia attending Striped College (grade school) and Smith Cotton high school. Growing up she enjoyed being in 4H, working at the Missouri State Fair, with lifelong friends Carolee Shirley, Caroline Staley, and Delta Reine.

Mary met the love of her life, USAF Airman Gary Ware, on a blind date and 8 months later they eloped to Arkansas and got married. Shortly after the birth of her son, Kary, (yes -Gary, Mary, and Kary) they moved to California. Living in Southern California, Mary worked as a secretary for McDonnell Douglas for over 10 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Then just before Kary's 17th birthday, she completed her family by giving birth to daughter Cindy.

In 1988 Mary and family moved to Grass Valley, Ca. where she spent the next 36 years. She worked as a daycare operator and part time at Gottschalks Dept. store as a food demonstrator. Mary was a strong Christian and helped Combie Bible Church in many roles - nursery care, VBS, AWANA and was famous for her cakes and pies. (One cake sold at auction for over $200!).

Mary's greatest love was her family especially caring for her grandchild Zach.

Mary is survived by her husband of 65 years Gary; daughter Cindy, and grandson Zach, all of Grass Valley; sisters Linda (Cecil) of Sedalia, Mo., Margaret (Wilton) of Lee's Summit, Mo.; brothers Bill (Bonita) of Lawson, Mo, and Bob (Valenda) of Warrenton, Va. and many loving nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her sisters Ruth Thurman, Della Krause, and Dorothy Labus; and brother John Bohon and his son Johnny.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Compass Community Church (previously Combie Bible Church).