Mary Jeanette Orth
Mary Jeanette Orth, 78, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully with family by her side in the early morning of June 28, 2016. She was born December 27, 1937, Mary was the oldest daughter of Richard and Evelyn (Dugstad) Olson where she and her three siblings were raised in Clermont, Iowa. She attended Clermont schools and graduated from Clermont High School. She was a member of West Clermont Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and married. She was active in baton twirling, basketball and Luther League.
Mary met Vel Orth during high school through mutual friends. After Vel returned from his tour of duty in Korea, they began dating again in June and by November they were engaged. Mary and Vel were married on her birthday, December 27, 1958. They had three children, Brad, Jeff and Kim. They raised their kids in Clermont, Iowa and later moved to Marshall, MN.
Mary was a dedicated and loyal hard worker. Her first job out of high school was at REC in Postville, Iowa. Mary also worked at the Farmer's Saving Bank in Clermont, as well as the Bremer Bank and The Schwan Food Company in Marshall, Minnesota. She also supported and helped Vel run their business, the Blue Ribbon Carriage Service, which they enjoyed for many years.
More than anything else, Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren. Equally, they all loved going to stay at Grandma's house. Never one to sit still, she could be found helping out at the farm and making meals for everyone. Working on her flower garden, shopping, and taking photos were some of her favorite activities. Never would a birthday or holiday go by without her making it special. She loved finding and giving special gifts to family and friends. Mary and Vel loved entertaining friends and family at their home, especially at their beautiful log cabin home that included a horse ranch on the outskirts of Marshall until the late 2000’s.
Mary had a valiant struggle with Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia over the last several years. Mary spent the last couple years of her journey at Cottagewood Senior Communities, where she was loved and cared for by wonderful caregivers. They were always commenting to the family on how witty and classy she was. Mary will be greatly missed by many.
Mary is survived by her husband, Veldon (Vel) Orth of fifty-eight years of Rochester, Minnesota; three children, Bradley Orth (Jill) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeffrey Orth (Pam) Mankato, Minnesota and Kim DeBolt (Mark) of Rochester, Minnesota; eleven grandchildren, Ryan White (Erin Heitz), Stacy Orth (Chris Rathman), Whitney White (Tyler Scholten), Laycee Bernard (Josh Miller), Mike DeBolt (Danae), Louie Bernard, Trisha Orth, Maddie DeBolt, Lydia Orth, Lea Orth and Levi Orth; four great-grandchildren, Adyson and Evelyn Rathman, Ella Scholten and Kassie Orth; three Siblings, Grace Swenson (LaVerne), Carolyn Smith (David) and Gene Olson (Jan).
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Evelyn Olson, as well as many dear family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa.
Friends may gather with the family starting at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
Memorial Donations can be sent to Cottagewood Senior Communities, Cottage 7, 4220 55th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901.
Leonard-Grau Funeral and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.