FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Mary Eleanor Cox
10/18/1920 — 09/29/2008
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Fort Worth, Texas
Mary Eleanor Cox
A life-time of faith, joy, and service was left behind on Monday, September 29th when Mary Eleanor King Cox went to a place she described as a "land that is fairer than day." All five of her children were at her side.
She was born October 18, 1920 in Fort Worth, Texas to Bernice and Conant King. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Music Education from Mary Hardin-Baylor College, Belton, Texas in 1941. She met her husband, Vincent, in Fort Worth at the church's drinking fountain and they quickly fell in love. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage together.
Mary began her teaching career in West Texas while Vincent served as a chaplain during World War II. Upon Vincent's return, they were married November 10, 1945. Her exquisite wedding gown was made of a silk parachute he found on Utah Beach. After honeymooning through the lower 48 states, they settled in Washington State where she served as church organist and pianist in Kettle Falls, Bremerton, Snohomish, Walla Walla and Kennewick. Mary received her master's degree in education and taught in the Pasco School District for over 20 years, retiring in 1980. Mary's love of children was evident throughout her dedicated teaching career, and her constant desire was to enrich the lives of all children, not least of all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She had an infinite interest in Scripture, nature, gardening, genealogy, music, education, and relationships with family and friends. She was a member of West Side United Protestant Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, the Genealogy Society, the Kennewick Flower Club, and the Alpha Zeta Chapter of A.D. K. She published "Descendants of Joseph William Cox" in 2004.
Mary is survived by her children, Rose Mary Dick Neel, Jeanne Dan Hultgrenn, Roger V. Cox, Mark Carole Cox, and Connie Lennstrom; grandchildren, Shannon Phelps, Jenifer Blood, Rich Neel, Heidi Ellerd, Brian Hultgrenn, Mary Gonzales, John, Stephen, Anders and Catie Lennstrom, Joanna, Erica, Rebecca, and Sarah Cox. She has seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Robert King of Grand Prairie, TX, and by her sister, Alice King Greenwood of Odessa, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held Friday, October 3rd, 2008 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Einans Funeral Home. The service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at West Side Church, 615 Wright in Richland, Washington. The memorial service will be conducted by the Reverends Karel Coppock and Ralph Kieneker. The Reverend Dr. Mark E. Cox and Mr. John Lipp will provide leadership at the family graveside service for Mary Cox.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to West Side Church children's ministry.
Rose Mary,Jeanne,Roger,Mark and Connie
Our prayers are with all of you. Aunt Mary truly was one of a kind. Love Dan,Debbie and the Girls
Dear Mark, Carol, Joanna, Erica, Rebeccah & Sarah,
We’re very saddened to hear about your loss, and sorry that we couldn’t attend the service. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Love in Christ,
Jerry, John and Darlene
Hi Mark, Carol & girls,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Remember 1 Thesslonians 4:13-18.
Dick, for all
To the entire Cox family:
I was thinking just exactly the same thing that David said. Mary was the kind of mom we all want, full of love, and a true woman of God. She brought joy to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, and she radiated God’s love in such a tangible way. She and Vince are among my heroes.
My love and prayers go with you,
Julie
Although I didn’t meet Aunt Mary and Uncle Vincent until I was an adult, from the moment I did, I felt as though I’d known them always. Aunt Mary’s kindness and sweetness were the first things I noticed about her. Our entire family quickly came to love Mary and Vincent and their children, and we are honored and so grateful to be part of such a wonderful family. Aunt Mary’s joy and deep faith in the Lord is an example to us all of the Hope we have in Him. We will miss her, but we know she is with the King of Kings. We send our love, and our prayers are with you all.
Beautiful obituary. So glad to see all the siblings surrounding Aunt Mary as she passed on to be with our Lord. Truly what a reunion that will be for her! Aunt Mary had a wonderful spirit that will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dearest Rose Mary, Jeanne, Roger, Mark and Connie,
We are so sad to hear of your mother’s passing, but join you in the hope of seeing her again. I think the King reunion has already begun, this time with Grand-daddy and Grandmother present! I will miss Aunt Mary, and the encouragement she gave to me over the years through personal letters. She was so giving and thoughtful of others! Aunt Mary was such a special blessing to my mother, devotedly loving her; always writing cards, phoning and sending gifts on her birthday. You are a wonderful clan, and I know she and Uncle Vincent were so proud of you all. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Kristi
What beautiful pictures of my dear Aunt Mary. She was a joy to be with and talk to. I will miss her very much. I can remember her from my childhood as being a fun and loving person, and she never changed. I am so happy that our family and the Cox family were close and saw each other often. She had a wonderful faith in our Lord and I know we will all see her again. With love, Marilyn
I can’t think of anything better to say than, “Your Mom reminds me of my Mom.” As years pass I – we – just learn how lucky we are to have been raised, cultivated, taught, nurtured by such a Mom.
Thank you, God, for the life-changing contribution of this one, rich and full life.
Roger, My condolences on your mother’s passing. My dad passed away last saturday as well. I was down in the tri-cities and saw her notice in the herald. As a side note, I was going through some old photos with my youngest son this summer and came across a picture of a proud fisherman holding up his catch for the cameraelliott lake in the background. You looked extremely happy with your 6-inch perch. It brought back alot of fond memories of childhood and friends. Again, sorry for your loss.
One thing I will always remember about Mary was her love of music and her appreciation of the music at West Side. What a joy and delight after a Sunday service to find a beautifully written card from Mary in the mail talking about some musical thing in the service that had moved, delighted, or encouraged her. She was such an encourager of others. I will miss her greatly. What an inspiration she was to me.
What a beautifully written obituary. I know Aunt Mary would have loved it. She was a woman of strength and character, and we were all blessed to know her and be part of the heritage she and the rest of the King family has bestowed to us. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
One of the traits I admire most about Pastor Mark is his love and devotion of his family. The way he talks to his wife and girls, the respect and admiration he has for his father, and the great joy he has of loving his mother. The good Book says to ‘love like Jesus’ – and it seems Mary did just that, and taught her children and grandchildren to do the same. Whenever I see a sunflower, I will always think of Mary with love. To the entire Cox Family and extended families, my most sincere sympathy for the loss of this beautiful woman. In Christ’s Love, Tina Pennington and Family
To the Hultgrenn Family. Your have my deepest sympathy and prayers in your time of loss. May God give you peace and comfort.
Ida Skinner
The sweet potato pie lady.
Dear Cox Cousins,
We just received the obituary today,and wanted to tell you how much Aunt Mary meant to me. One of my earliest memories of her was of the little apartment behind the King house as she was sweeping the floor and singing “The yellow rose of Texas beats the belles of Tennessee!” She always so ENJOYED life to the fullest, and what JOY she now experiences in the presence of her Lord. We will all miss her so much.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jeanne and Mark, thank you so much for all you did to make our visit this summer so lovely. I am thankful Mother and I had the opportunity to see your mother one last time. And Roger, thank you for coming all that way to see us. We love you all.
Kathy and Bob
I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Mary’s passing. She always had a smile and was full of joy. I pray that you all know the same joy and the peace that comes from the Lord even during the trying times.
I know that Aunt Mary is now experiencing that perfect joy and love with her Lord.
Dear Rose, Jeanne, Roger, Mark, and Connie,
We were so sorry to hear of Aunt Mary’s death but rejoice to know that she is in heaven with our heavenly Father. I will always remember her as having a smile on her face and abundant love for all her family. I was amazed at her efforts and work she put into the King and Cox genealogies. Only she could explain the difference between second cousins and first cousins once removed! I’m still confused on that point. She was a wonderful woman. We will miss her very much. Our love and prayers go out to you.
Love, Peggy
Mary was our role model in how to age with such such grace and dignity. As a neighbor, she was always smiling, friendly and positive. She had a genuine interest in how things were going with you – always asking about family, home improvemnts and trips. Her outlook on life and positive nature made you feel better and more hopeful about facing obstacles in later life.
Mark Carol and Girls
Praying for you as you pass through this time of sorrow and reflection of your loving Mother’s life. What a testament to a Mother when her children arise and call her blessed.
Our prayers are with you. These times are always hard, but Mary’s faith-based life is to be celebrated. Vince and Mary are now together with Jesus!
Guestbook for
Mary Eleanor Cox