Feb. 13, 1932 May 17, 2013

Mary I. Poffenberger, formerly of Wallowa County and Juliaetta, Idaho, died peacefully May 17, 2013, in Philomath at the age of 81.

Mary was born Feb. 13, 1932, to Walter and Lela (Fuller) Stace in Payette, Idaho, where she attended school.

She met the love of her life Wendell (Red) Poffenberger in Wallowa County and they were married Aug. 15, 1949. They celebrated 54 years of marriage until Red preceded her in death in 2004.

Mary and Red traveled with his jobs in construction and logging, while adding to the family two boys and five girls. Mary was a wonderful cook, baker and homemaker. She enjoyed canning and making meals from scratch and she passed down this passion to all her children.

While the children attended school she worked at the Wallowa Senior Meal Site and enjoyed nurturing all she came into contact with. She loved her family and the outdoors among many other things, and she loved her coffee.

Having seven children could be a task for any mother, so when she would struggle to call out a particular name she would laugh and just call what the kids would call roll call by saying everyones name until she came to the one she wanted. Her home was always full of children and childrens friends; she was Mom and Gramma to many. She will be missed by over 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sister, brother and husband.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: son Greg and Vicki of Lewiston, Idaho; daughter Audrey and Jason of Philomath; son Patrick of Pendleton; daughter Becky of Lapwai; daughter Susan of Lewiston; daughter Tammy of Clarkston and daughter Ann and Sean of Yuma, Ariz.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life potluck per Marys request is scheduled for 2 p.m. June 22 at Guardian Angel Barn, 2421 Vineyard Ave., Lewiston, Idaho.