Mary Whislerof Eugene, Oregon, formerly of Midland, South Dakota, died on Thursday, February 24, 2005
|
Mary was born the eighth child of Eugene Whisler and Irene (Powell) Whisler, on July 7th, 1913 at the Whisler farm north of Midland. Here Mary lived almost all of her life caring for her parents in their last years and for her sister Dorothy. Mary was truly a daughter of the prairie. She was the last surviving member of the original Eugene Whisler family.
She graduated from Midland High School and attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls for one year before attending Northern Normal in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with her sister Dorothy. She taught rural school near Philip, schools at Kirley and the Little Prairie Dog School near her home. Then she returned home to care for her family.
On November 28, 2004, she went with her niece, Grace Lawton, to her home in Eugene, Oregon, where she remained until her death.
Mary had lived on the farm all her life except her schooling years. She moved to Eugene, three months ago and traveled to the coast. She wanted to walk in the Pacific Ocean but put her hands in it instead. She ate shrimp for the first time and loved it, and went to her first drive-thru restaurant.
Mary loved the deer, the pheasants, and the birds. She enjoyed watching and caring for each of them. She also was an avid reader, her conversations and use of words demonstrated her love for books. She enjoyed walking and running, and the outdoors was her best friend.
Mary is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews, Ralph Doud Jr. of New Mexico, Ed Doud of South Dakota, Richard Doud of South Dakota, Irene Stelting of Oregon, Natalie Schied of Arizona, Grace Audry Torres of Wyoming, Byron Whisler of California, Sharon McIntosh of Idaho, Mary Lee Hastie of Colorado, Dan Whisler of Iowa, Grace L. Lawton of Oregon, David Gorseth of Idaho, Paul Gorseth of Nevada; and numerous second, third, and fourth generation nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Glen, Lee, Oren, and Lisle; five sisters Grace Doud, Hazel Gorseth, Essie McKean, Goldie Whisler, and Dorothy Whisler; two nephews Clifford Gorseth and Art Gorseth; and one niece Koral Doud Sammons.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2005 at the Midland Cemetery, Midland, South Dakota.
GRAVESIDE SERVICES
Friday, March 4, 2005 11:00 a.m.
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
MINISTER
Pastor Randy Ellendorf
EULOGY
Mary’s Nephew
MUSIC
Lawrence Crook – Vocalist
"Wasted Years"
"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"
"I Will Meet You In The Morning"
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day; [Nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91
GRAVESIDE SERVICES
Friday, March 4, 2005 11:00 a.m.
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota