Mary Beth (Royer) David was born on June 17, 1947, in Hillsboro, Illinois, to Katherene Elizabeth (Leonard) Royer and Willard Edward Royer. Her early years were spent on a farm in Butler, Illinois, until 1955 when her family of eight relocated to Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Mary graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1965 and soon began working at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. She enjoyed skiing, ice skating, and it was at ballroom dance lessons where she met the love of her life, Walter David.

Mary and Walt were married on November 22, 1968. In 1970 they left Los Alamos for Denver, Colorado, and in 1972 made Richland, Washington their home. It was here that their two children, Michael Edward and Kathleen Ann (David) Zeamer, were born and became the dedicated focus of Mary’s days.

After raising her children, Mary returned to the workforce, dedicating 22 years to the National Security Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. She loved her work and the friendships she formed there.

Mary lived with a spontaneous, adventurous heart. She said yes to experiences, travel, and making memories. Whether organizing a trip, an outing, or a party, Mary had a gift for bringing people together. She will be remembered for her sharp wit and a way of saying exactly what she thought. You never had to wonder Mary’s opinion on a topic or a President. Those who knew her best, appreciated her ability to “tell it like it is”…or at least how she saw it!

After losing her husband Walt in October 2008, Mary faced profound grief with courage. Through a Hospice grief group, she found enduring friendship with her beloved “Butterflies.” What began as shared sorrow became 17 years of weekly dinners, laughter, travel, and unwavering support. In the wake of her loss, Mary loved traveling the world by cruise ship, completing 16 cruises, mostly with her fellow Butterfly and dear sister-friend, Patti Massart.

Mary adored her five grandchildren. She delighted in creating lasting memories with them—especially during summer vacations at the Oregon Coast. She loved sharing her adventurous spirit, introducing them to the joys of cruising and the wonder of exploring new places. These trips were gifts of time and love, providing core memories that her grandchildren will carry with them always.

Mary’s life was defined by her generosity, resilience, humor, and fearless honesty. She leaves behind a legacy of love, hospitality, adventure, and deep friendship.

Mary is survived by her son, Michael David (Michelle Brunson); her daughter, Kathleen Ann (Dan) Zeamer; and her five beloved grandchildren: Isaiah and Noah David; Matthew, Andrew, and Kaitlin Zeamer. She is also survived by her sisters, Bonnie Young of Teseque, New Mexico, and Barbara Gardner of Ash Grove, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter David; her mother, Katherine Royer; her father, Willard Royer; her brother, George Royer; and her sisters, Vicki Bakker and Linda Royer.