Mary Zoa Moffitt

Mary Zoa Willson Moffitt was born in Nodaway County, Missouri on February 24, 1922 to Brice and Goldie Willson. She was their second child and dearly loved her older brother David Craig. Mary was encouraged by her father to pursue higher education and she received a Bachelor's in Education and Library Science, and went on to get a Master's Degree in Psychology.

During high school and until she was 30 years old, Mary and her brother David were members of a four-piece band that performed at various events around the County where they lived. Mary played the mandolin and sang, while brother David could play anything he picked up (as Mary would say). Sadly, she lost her muse when her brother David and her mother Goldie lost their lives in a car accident in the summer of 1952. Mary never lost her love of music, but she laid her mandolin down and never really played it again. She continued to play the piano throughout her life and later in life she purchased an organ that she loved to sit and play. Music gave her much joy during her life.

Mary met the love of her life, Ivan Moffitt, while on a school break with her good friend Verla Moffitt. Mary and Verla decided to write letters to each other's brothers while they were in the service. Mary's letter-writing campaign turned into more than that, however, and Ivan and Mary fell deeply in love. They were married on August 15, 1946. Their marriage and love endured for 59 years through the happiest of times and in spite of tragedies along the way. Ivan passed away on June 12, 2005.

Mary pursued a career in Deaf Education and she worked at various schools for the deaf, eventually retiring from the Washington State School for the Deaf where she worked as an elementary teacher and then as the Head Librarian. She loved working with the kids and helping them along their paths to success.

Mary passed away with peace and grace on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. She was 92 years old and was surrounded by love and family. She is survived by two daughters, Karen Larson (and husband Larry), and Barbara Haugen (and husband Karl); three grandchildren, Brian Radke (and wife DeeDee), Brynn Larson, and Kara Abrahamian; and four great granddaughters, Cassidy Radke, Avery Abrahamian, Payton Radke, and Kendall Abrahamian.

Mary will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery with her beloved husband Ivan. Together forever.