Mary Elizabeth Metcalf Gerlach

Mary Elizabeth Metcalf Gerlach was born Nov. 1, 1928, in Holy Cross, KY, to Mary Nally Metcalf and William Metcalf. She departed March 7, 2009, in Kennewick. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruth; and brothers; Henry, Paul, and James; and by her beloved husband Oscar Gerlach. Mary attended Our Lady of Mercy convent school in Kentucky and 2 years of college in Cincinnati. She joined the USAF in 1950 and, after 4 years service, married Msgt. Oscar A. Gerlach in August of 1954 in Del Rio, Texas. She eventually served 30 years in accounting and administration.

After many travels and military assignments including Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, a most memorable service residence in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, and Del Rio, Texas, they finally settled in San Antonio, Texas. They moved to the Tri-Cities 15 years ago, after 30 years in San Antonio.

Mary enjoyed numerous creative arts and crafts, including ceramics, needlework, and quilting. She later collected art and antiques and enjoyed volunteer work for several military retiree and senior service organizations as well as the March of Dimes.

Oscar Gerlach retired in 1968 and Mary returned to college at San Antonio Community College, studying accounting, administration, and medical administrative support. She later worked for 20 years in U.S. Civil Service at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, as an administrative secretary.

Survivor include her son, Dr. David Gerlach, currently scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; beloved sister-in-law Mrs. Mary Ellen Metcalf, New Haven, KY; brothers William Metcalf, Bardstown, KY, and George Metcalf, Okeechobee, FI; and niece Joylyn Unruh, Virginia Beach, VA, as well as various nieces and nephews.

A viewing and reception will be held from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Monday, March 16, 2009 at Memories at Sunset Event Center on the grounds of beautiful Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland.