In Memory

Mary Ann Gokee

Mary Ann Gokee

MARY ANN GOKEE, Mary Ann passed away peacefully on March 15, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. Mary Ann was born April 8, 1946 in Gooding, Idaho. She was raised in Spokane and attended Hutton Grade School, Lewis and Clark High School and University of Washington. Mary Ann was smart and extremely witty. She had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile. Mary Ann lived in numerous places throughout her life, but some of her fondest memories were from the years she lived in Galesburg, Illinois. During her time there, she graduated magna cum laude from Carl Sandberg College, both worked and worshipped at Grace Episcopal Church and met some of her lifelong dearest friends. In her free time, Mary Ann was a true nature-lover, she made dolls out of flowers and had trees as friends. So many wonderful memories were created with her family at both Priest Lake and in Laclede, ID. She was an artist at heart whether painting, sewing, drying flowers, writing poetry or welding she found true joy in creating. She loved to travel and meet new people. She was truly one a kind; colorful, eccentric, and compassionate. Throughout her life, she made many dear friends in the communities where she loved. As a woman of faith, and a loyal democrat, she was always an advocate for the less fortunate. She loved to entertain. Always 'dressed to the nines', Mary Ann was the life of every party, certainly no outfit was complete without a hat. She loved hats (and parties!) so much that it wasn't uncommon for everyone in her presence to be given a hat to wear from her collection...just for fun. Mary Ann is survived by her daughters Leigha Bone and Cassandra Cowan, her partner and friend Billy Beach, his daughter Christy Beach, her sister-in-law Mina Gokee and her three nieces, Renee Zaring, Shelley Morgan and Chrissy Schmidt. She is preceded in death by her parents Flayvel and Dorothy Gokee, her brother, Henry F. Gokee and her son, Jeffrey Bone. Mary Ann's memorial will be held on a sunny day this summer where her close friends and family will spread her ashes into the river, out in nature, where her spirit will always live...basking in the sun's glow. A bowl of butterfly wings, Love of children, some present, some gone, A love of music, sunshine and good friends Dreams of good prevail, Some came true Some just remain hopes to be fulfilled -B. Beach



 
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03/21/16 09:02 AM #7    

William Fernau

Mary Ann and I reminiced at length towards the end of our class reunion.  I savored our conversation.  It was golden for me and, I hope, for her also.  We didn’t know, at the time, our 56 year long relationship was coming full circle.  If I had known how close to completing that circle we were, I would have more fully cherished our last moments together...as I do now.
 
Rest in peace, Mary Ann.

03/21/16 08:25 PM #8    

Steven Glee Melcher

When Mary Ann smiled everyone smiled, when she cheered, we all did. I will miss the cheer she added to our lives...a beautiful spirit has moved on to the world beyond our present vision...I hope all of us will encourage each other the way she encouraged us. angel     Rest in peace Mary Ann!      


03/22/16 07:19 PM #9    

Gwendolyn Lea Funk (Mitchell)

I have many fond memories of Mary Ann and many of them were from Latin class where we struggled trogether to trajslate Julius Ceasar et. al. We marched together in Ti-Gilrs at many games and of course the Lilac Parade. She was a beautiful, smart lady and will be missed. Sioncerly, Gwen Funk Mitchell


03/23/16 06:14 AM #10    

Sarah Frances Rutherford

Mary Ann and I were close friends in the 7th grade.  We used to trade clothes and go to

Saturday night dance class at Mrs Ayers.  I remember how much fun we had sitting in her bedroom

deciding what to wear and  talking about boys endlessly in her Rockwood House.  She was a good friend.  I

regret not talking with her at the reunion.  She had a line waiting to talk with her.  Mary Ann,

you were special. 

Francie Rutherford


 


03/23/16 09:47 AM #11    

Terry Sullivan

Like Rob Neilson says, EVERYONE was in love with Mary Ann - including us at Jefferson. I met her at a Charlotte Ayers dance, and I was hooked. She was my girl friend in 7th until some cooler guy took over -- my first heart break.  I think it was Larry Brown.  Because I went to G-Prep, I lost touch with her, except to see her at a Sadie Hawkins dance or on the other side cheerleading during basketball and football games. Mary Ann was classy and always looked great - especially as a Tiger cheerleader!  I am saddened that we lost her - she added to the life of everyone who knew her.  Rest in peace, old friend... 


03/24/16 07:28 AM #12    

Tom Lyle

Special young lady in so many ways......our memories will last until we see each other again!


03/28/16 09:10 AM #13    

Mollie Victoria Kromer (Patshkowski)

Mary Ann loved everyone that came into her life. She was way smarter than anyone I knew and she loved living in St. Maries Idaho with Billy. I will miss her and I'm happy she's no longer sick. You go girl!!

05/28/17 11:19 AM #14    

Jean Winn Roberts

Lewis and Clark and we shared thoughts, laughter, social steps of acute observations, valid only under 16 years old. Beautiful, funny and the head of the class.  A big journey with touchstones along every path.  My thoughts are with you Mary Ann.  Jean Roberts  I remember you ....

 


12/05/17 11:23 AM #15    

Maureen Sullivan (Sullivan)

She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I ever knew!  A true friend, she could cheer you up in her quiet way!  I wish I had seen her more often.


12/21/23 05:40 PM #16    

Linda Anne Lord (Lord-Johnson)

I loved cheerleading with Mary Ann at LC during our senior year!  She was always a mischievious side to her & was up for anything.  When I would come to the LC reunions & stay at  Bill George's house, she & Bill would have already connected.  Then the fun would really start!  May Ann & I also bonded over our love for Idaho.  She had a wicked beautiful smile & a heart to match.


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