Mary Meyer
Mary Meyer
Great Falls
Mary Virginia Meyer, 68, of Great Falls, died peacefully with family members at her bedside, after a very short illness at a local healthcare facility, on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Cremation will take place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home. A memorial service honoring her life will be held Thursday, January 31st, 1:30pm, Croxford Funeral Home, 1307 Central Avenue.
Mary was born on December 23, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlie Elton Cowan and Ruth Elaine Bears. Later Ruth married Lial Arles Mullins, who adopted Mary at the age of two. She was raised as Mary Virginia Mullins. She graduated from high school in Des Moines in 1962. Mary was married to Robert Turpen in 1965, and, to this union, her two children, Pamela and Karen, were born. They were an Air Force family and lived in many states and countries. Mary worked for the government at different military bases throughout her career, including the pentagon in Washington, D.C. She was transferred to Malmstrom Air Force Base in 1987. In August 2000, she was awarded the DRMS "National Command Employee of the Quarter" and after 40 years of service, she retired as chief of DRMO at Malmstrom in 2004.
Mary married Jerry Meyer on July 17, 1990. Since retiring, has enjoyed traveling to visit her daughters; Pam lives on the west coast and Karen on the east coast. She has kept busy enjoying her favorite hobby, stained glass. She has created hundreds of beautifully crafted projects for her family and friends. She also loved to help Jerry clean and detail many classic cars they showed in car shows, parades, etc. She loved buying Christmas gifts and other items for her family and, especially, for her 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her husband Jerry of Great Falls; her daughters Pam Turpen (Mike Berden) of San Jose, CA; and Karen (Brad) Covington; grandson Jacob and granddaughter Anna Covington of Catawba, SC; brother Bill (Judy) Mullins of Osceola, IA; sister Patsy (Don) Saffell of Des Moines, IA; step-daughter Gail Meyer; grandson Kyle Perkins of Orting, WA; granddaughter Tracy Spencer(Jason Jungert); great-granddaughters Haley, Savanna and Hannah of Clarkston, WA; grandson Casey (Jen) Caveny of Great Falls; granddaughter Lexie (Sean) Williams and great-granddaughter Aubrey Williams of Great Falls; stepson Jack (Angie) Meyer, grandsons Justin and Josh Meyer of Great Falls; stepson Tony (Tana) Meyer; grandsons Tyler and Tucker Meyer of Great Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews. All of the above would tell you she was the best wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend you would ever wish for!
Mary is preceded in death by her parents Lial and Ruth Mullins.
Condolences may be shared at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com
Published in Des Moines Register on January 31, 2013
Public Guest Book
Jan 29th
Brad and Alexis Boelling
Godspeed Aunt Mary. You will be missed and never forgotten. Sending our love from Texas, Brad and Alexis
Jan 30th
Pat and Don Saffell
We were all blessed to have her in our lives. Our thoughts are with you all in Great Falls today
Jan 31st
The Covington Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We met Mary several years ago during a visit with Karen, Brad and family. We enjoyed meeting her and getting to know the family more and sharing the excitement at granddaughter Anna's arrival. God bless each of you,we share the sadness of your loss. Walt & Lois,Roger,Nathan and their families.
Jan 31st
Jim & Julie Turner
Pam, Karen and family,
We know you'll miss her so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jan 31st
JoAnn Morin & family
Rest in Peace aunt Mary! You were very much loved and will be very much missed. Love & Prayers uncle Jerry! So sorry we were unable to make it home for you and family, but know you are in our hearts always! Love from: JoAnna, Jeremiah, Trinity, Brynlee, Peytons & Alekz
Jan 31st
Sheri Walker
Jerry I'm so sorry for your loss Mary was a great friend and co worker.
Jan 31st
JoAnn Morin & family
Rest in peace aunt Mary. You will be loved & missed always. To my uncle Jerry, I am so sorry for your loss, and we could be with you, but you are always in our hearts. love, thoughts & prayers from: JoAnn, Jeremiah, Trinity, Brynlee, Peytons & Alekz
