Mary Arthur Obituary

Mary Frances Arthur passed away early Sunday morning, July 31, 2011, just one weekafter her 96th birthday. She was a blessed wife and companion to Don Arthur who preceded her in death 23 years ago, a steadfast mother to Jerry Arthur from Bushnell, Illinois, and his wife, Toni; to Roger Arthur of Denver and his wife, Gail; to Donna Sue Arthur and to Lew Bogan of Bakersfield, California; and to Mary Lou Arthur Ankeney and her husband, David, from Colorado Springs; she was a cherished grandmother "Pammy" to 22 grandchildren and a beloved great-grandmother to 31 (and counting) little ones, not to mention a steadfast friend to her very loving, precious and ever-faithful neighbor, Walter Moos. Mary was born on July 24, 1916, just as WWI was coming to an end and the Roaring Twenties was beginning; thus, it seemed that Mary's life was completely infused with the optimism of the day, a love for her country and a never ending passion for singing, dancing and all things musical. These qualities abounded as she grew up in a large Illinios farm family, enduring the struggles of both the Great Depression and the emergence of WWII. Mary's talent as both a dancer and a singer led her on an adventure (with one of her brothers) performing and entertaining the troops during the war. Blessing the lives of many with her talent, sharing her exuberance for life with a dedicated patrotism that was an integral part of her very being up until her very last days. Mary raised her four children in Monmouth, Illinios, with this same enthusiasm for music, dance, love of country and of course, for her God whom she knew in a very personal way. She guided not only her children, but also, her grandchildren to know and to serve the Lord. The family was always active in church and in all community activities in the small town of Monmouth. She eventually became known, unofficially, as the "Pie Queen," due to her excellence in baking pies for ice cream socials and various community activities in her small town Americana. The two oldest children of Don and Mary, their sons, and migrated to Colorado, due to college sports' scholarships. Jerry and Doc then married and began raising their families there. Don and Mary then moved to Colorado Springs to be nearer their children and grandchildren, whom they adored. The transition was difficult at first, but rewarding in the end. And it was in Colorado Springs where they lived the last years of their lives, making many new friends and becoming active in that comnmunity as well. Mary never knew a stranger or a person she didn't enjoy and she eventually blessed and befriended countless neighbors and new friends in Colorado Springs. But most importantly, she was steadfast in her love for and honoring of her best friend, Jesus, until her very last day. She lived the final three years of her life in a care facility in Colorado Springs, singing and entertaining others, almost until she took her last breath. She became a true favorite of the staff there and she was, in a word, amazing, but most of all she set an example of how to live for her entire family, who will love and miss her forever. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday August 2 at 10:00a.m., Fellowship Bible Church, 5590 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado SPrings. All friends and acquaintances are heartily encouraged to attend.