CENTERBURG — Mary K. Stopher, 79, of Centerburg walked into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at Heartland of Centerburg.
She was born Feb. 8, 1929, in Berwind, W.Va., to the late Thomas and Pearl O. (Waldron) Linkous. She married William E. Stopher, a disabled World War II veteran on May 8, 1948, and moved to Centerburg, she spent her life helping him in every way.
Mary worked as the head librarian for the Centerburg Public Library. A lifelong learner, she attended college at the age of 47. She was a member of the Centerburg Church of Christ and the American Legion Post 470 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading; gospel music, especially the Gather’s; traveling; and winters spent in Riviera Beach, Fla. Mary will be remembered for her devotion to family and tending to their every need.
A wonderful cook of fried chicken, ham and meat loaf, and a variety of soups, she was a sweet lady and had quite a sweet tooth for ice cream.
She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Marsha K. (Douglas) DeWinter of Centerburg; grandsons, of whom she was most proud, Josh and Jeremy DeWinter; sisters, Ruby Fourney of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Elizabeth (Jim) Reynolds of Howard and Alice Ross (Paul) Thomas of Centerburg; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William E. Stopher, on March 23, 2004; and brothers, Thomas, Graham, Dewey, Warren and Joseph Linkous.
Friends may call Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio 3 at Ohio 61, Sunbury, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m., with Pastor Roger Crego and Evangelist Fred Albrecht officiating. Interment will follow in Bloomfield Cemetery near Sparta.
Memorial contributions can be made to her grandson Jeremy’s band at SanJacinto Junior High School Band, 1400 North N St., Midland, TX 79701. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
