Have just returned home, 20 May 07, and read the latest copy of the Avalanche which listed the obit for Mary. As a good friend and member of the Tarkio High School Class of 1944, the news was most distressing. I last spoke with Mary shortly after her fall which broke her pelvis. It was obvious at that time Mary's health was declining. My wife, Suzanne, met Mary during our 50th Class Reunion in 1994 and they immediately bonded. Mary told her that she felt "I (Bill) had made the right choice (in marrying Suzanne)." After my breakup with another classmate, Mary and I had gone out together for a time, simply as good friends. I feel such sadness over the recent passing of three of my best friends, John Jones, Marian Baird and now Mary that it is difficult to express in print how I feel. I have known Mary since the first grade in Mrs. Withrow's class. Mary always represented the best in every way. A true lady. I always enjoyed speaking with her about her children, especially those in the military. She was so proud of all her brood. It is bitter to me that I was not able to at least send flowers to her services. I loved Mary as a true friend of many years and extend the sincerest condolences of my wife and myself to her family. May she rest in eternal peace and always sit at the right hand of our Father.