A celebration of life service was held for Mary L. Fox of Woodward, Oklahoma, formerly of Estherville, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 2:00pm at Henry Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville.
Mary Louise Fox, daughter of William and Lillian (Weir) Howard was born on November 4, 1945, in Paris Island, South Carolina. She passed away on July 1, 2023, at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, Iowa, at the age of 77 years.
Mary moved with her family at a young age to the Estherville, Iowa area. She graduated from Lincoln Central High School. Following high school she worked at Iowa Trust and Savings Bank. Mary was united in marriage to her longtime sweetheart Michael Fox on March 20, 1976 in Hygiene, Colorado. She worked at various businesses as a bookkeeper for many years. Throughout her young adulthood, Mary trained and became an EMT and an Activities Coordinator for nursing homes. She used the knowledge that she gained to work in the respected fields throughout her life. Mary, Mike, and family moved to Woodward, Oklahoma, in 1995. Her last working position was as the Secretary at the First Presbyterian Church in Woodward. Mary retired to enjoy time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mary was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Woodward, Oklahoma. She was a past member of the Battle Creek Volunteer Ambulance Services. Mary had a passion for family genealogy. She not only enjoyed researching and discovering the history of her family, but also the history of friends’ families when asked. Once retired, Mary and Mike enjoyed traveling together. Last year they took one last “tour of the states.” She adored her family, and loved making memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her husband of 47 years, Michael Fox of Woodward, Oklahoma; her children, Annette (Jimmy) Thompson, Dawn (Erik) Harris, Michael (Lisa) Fox, Sheri (Jerry) Rice, William “B.J.” (Dina) Fox, and Alicia (Nathan) Neill; 22 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Jeanne (David) Egeland, Diana (Skip) Clabaugh, Glenn (Bonnie) Howard, and John Howard.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lois Jensen.
In honor of Mary’s memory, gifts may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 721 Oklahoma Ave, Woodward, OK 73802. Your gifts may be directed for use towards school supplies and meals for Kids At Need.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.