Mary L Wilkinson

Mary was born September 26, 1938 at the Jones Maternity Home in Grand Junction, CO to Woodrow and Ivy Gerry. She graduated to her Eternal Home Monday August 4, 2025 in Olathe, CO.

Mary and John Covey were married on April 1, 1960. They were married just over 1 year when they had a daughter, Robin, 12 days later John passed away from Cancer.

Mary was blessed to meet Alex Wilkinson some 16 months later. They were married on October 6, 1962. Alex brought with him 2 sons, Dennis and Wayne. Alex’s first wife, (the boy’s mother,), Louise Tattersall, had tragically been killed in a car accident in March 1961.

This match was instant chemistry! They met and were married within 6 weeks. Alex had been laid off from his job and had gone to visit Mary and showed up at her door with a box of chocolates and an engagement ring. He said to her, “I just lost my job. Do you want to get married?” She responded with a resounding, “ YES.” They were married shortly afterwards.

Mary had been working as an LPN at the Collbran, CO Hospital, which she left when they were married. She transitioned from a widowed mother of 1 to a family of 5 overnight! They eventually moved to Hayward, California where they raised their family. Mary began to take a Nursing refresher class in 1978 and then returned to part-time work as an LVN in various nursing homes in California.

They returned to Colorado in June 1992 where they enjoyed retirement. Mary enjoyed going to church at Church on The Rock where she faithfully attended for over 30 years. She enjoyed camping trips with Alex, traveling with friends and family (Dennis & Patsy), Saturday shopping trips to the mall with her granddaughter, Jennifer. She was skilled at drawing and coloring pictures, usually birds or flowers. She always managed to have a kitty she could love and spoil. She faithfully read her Bible and enjoyed Christian television programs. She was also known for her ability to whistle. Whether she was warbling like a bird or belting out a “get home” call to her children, we all recognized her whistle! During the past 10 months of her life in the Assisted Living and Nursing Home, she was known by staff and residents for her whistle. They all got quite a kick out of hearing her.

Mary was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, Woodrow and Ivy Gerry, her husbands John Covey and Alex Wilkinson. Her brother Eugene Gerry and sister Wanda Hooker.

She is survived by her sons Dennis (Patsy) Wilkinson, Wayne (Etta) Wilkinson, daughter Robin (Arturo) Agredano, several grandchildren and great grandchildren and a brother, Lloyd (Carman) Gerry.

Mary will be missed by her family, friends, and her church family. When we are someday joined together in Heaven, just listen for the whistle and you’ll find her.

Pallbearers:

Nick Sanchez

Robert Sanchez

Keith Wilkinson

John Wilkinson

Dylan Wilkinson

Juan Agredano Jr.

David Agredano