Marion Kathryn Gregory

Marion Kathryn Gregory of Laton passed into eternal life on July 29, 2011 at the age of 87. Born to Roy and Kathryn (Lewis) Follansbee of Easton on January 11, 1924, Marion was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, school counselor and Christian.

Marion is the youngest of four siblings: Dr. Lewis Follansbee and Laura Ensor both deceased, and Curt Follansbee of Fresno.

Marion attended Oleander Elementary School and Washington Union High School in Easton, graduating in 1942. Marion continued her education at Fresno State College, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in Biology in 1946. While at graduate school, Marion met John Gregory, a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. They married April 18, 1947 at Easton Presbyterian Church and settled into their new home and farm near Laton where they raised four children and have resided ever since.

Marion was an active member of the Laton United Methodist Church. In recent years she returned to her childhood Presbyterian Church in Easton. She and John have enjoyed many happy years spending time at their cabin at Camp Sierra, near Shaver Lake. John and Marion were honored as the Laton Lions “Old Timers” in 2005. Marion was known for her gregarious and kind spirit, always interested in those around her and eager to be supportive and encouraging.

Marion taught kindergarten at Laton Elementary School. She later transferred to Laton High School and taught English and Biology. Marion continued her education and received a counseling credential and she became the high school guidance counselor. She loved her years as the school counselor because it gave her the opportunity to be helpful to others. She retired from Laton High School in 1973. In retirement, Marion volunteered her time tutoring adults in literacy through the Fresno County Library.

She is survived by John Gregory of Laton, her husband of 64 years; children Jim Gregory and wife Peggy of Hanford, Louise Hanada and husband Jim of Laton, Tom Gregory and wife Mary of Monument, Colorado, and Ann Walzberg and husband Bill of Fresno; grandchildren Laura Gregory of Santa Maria, Kathy Curtice and husband Chris of Clovis, Jeff Dooley of Tulare, William, Matthew, Thomas and Elizabeth Gregory of Monument, Colorado, Megan Walzberg of Santa Monica, Derek Walzberg and wife Stephanie of Fresno; and two great grandchildren, Matt Curtice and Emily Walzberg.

Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 4 at People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford. Funeral service for Marion will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, August 5, at Easton Presbyterian Church in Easton. Interment will be in Washington Colony Cemetery, Easton following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: The Creative Center Foundation, 606 N. Bridge St., Visalia, CA 93291 (a performing arts program for developmentally disabled adults) or Easton Presbyterian Church, 5895 S. Elm Ave., Fresno, CA 93706.

Condolences may be made at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591.