Mary King

Mary Ann King
November 7, 1934 — September 18, 2017

On September 18, 2017, Mary Ann King, 82, died peacefully at her home in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was surrounded by love. Her home was always filled with family, love, joy and laughter.

She was born in Gloversville, New York, on November 7, 1934, to Harold Abrams and Mary Grant Abrams. Her father was an engineer with the Grand Junction Atomic Energy Commission. They lived in several places in Colorado including Grand Junction and Cedaredge. They also lived in Long Island, New York. In 1956 she graduated from Buffalo State College with her teaching degree. She loved teaching, and substitute teaching was her particular passion.

She married George W. Goetz, an Army officer, and together they had four children, Patricia, Susan, Gordon and James. They traveled extensively for his career and settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while he spent two tours of duty in Vietnam. They later divorced and years later she married Leonard F. King in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and gained another daughter, Joyce. She and Leonard bought the TRI-R-MOTEL in Cedaredge, Colorado, and relocated their family there in 1975. She later moved to Grand Junction where she worked at St. Mary’s Life Center in Medical Records.

Her son, Gordon, died from complications of Cystic Fibrosis at age 26 in San Diego, California. After his death she became a staunch proponent of organ donation. Her family cherished his memory and pinecones became a symbol of his presence.

She loved the beach, sun, family sporting events, camping and spending time with family and friends. Her house was always a place of warmth where everyone was welcome.

She suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for many years, but despite the progression of her disease, she never forgot the names of her children or her grandchildren and she always remembered that pinecones were a symbol of her son, Gordie. Her disease didn’t diminish her humor, beautiful laughter or her playful attitude. She loved to watch the sunset from her porch of the home she loved. Anyone lucky enough to meet her was gifted with her warm eyes, bright smile and contagious laugh.

Mary Ann traveled the globe and told many stories of her adventures. She was delighted to tell of her escapades to us and we lived vicariously through her. She made living an amazing story and we thank her for the wild side she exhibited.

She is preceded in death by her son, Gordon, and her parents. She is survived by daughters, Joyce (Terry) Gass of Coraopolis, PA, and Patricia Goetz and Susan Goetz, both of Grand Junction, Colorado; son, James (Anna) Goetz of Grand Junction, Colorado; sister, Helen Searing of Tampa, Florida; nephews, Bill, Todd and David (Julie) and niece Kim; grandchildren Mark, Steven, Katherine, Michael, Nicole, Elizabeth, Emily and Allison; and nine great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

Services for Mary Ann will be held on October 28, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Grand Junction, Colorado. She will be inurned in Northville, New York, at a later date.

Loving contributions are graciously accepted for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements provided by Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service.