Mary K Hamilton Orendorff was born February 6, 1928 to Opal Matticks and Elmer Hamilton in Ashland, KS. She graduated from Ashland High School, KS. She met SinClair Orendorff in college and they married on November 27, 1947; they later divorced after nearly 40 years of marriage. Her college career was interrupted by children, but she did return and graduated from Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK in 1958 with an elementary education degree. She was a dedicated teacher in Oklahoma and Wyoming until her retirement in 1985. As well as being involved in public school systems, she helped implement Head Start and brought the first VISTA volunteers for literacy to Powell, WY. She remained actively involved in the Powell, WY community after her retirement; some of her special interests were the Loaves and Fishes food bank, recycling and Habitat for Humanity; she was also very active in the Methodist Church. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, bridge, traveling and socializing with her many special friends.
Mary K moved to Woodinville, WA in 2005 to live with her son, David, and his wife and be close to her youngest daughter, Candace, and numerous grandchildren. She remained actively involved with her church, the local Habit for Humanity and continued her passion for bridge.
Mary K was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and after surgery and treatments finally lost the battle on December 12, 2008; she was surrounded by love at the time of her death. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend and her physical presence will be missed. She was an active participant in her children's and grandchildren's lives and they will forever remember her for her efforts to be there for them when she was needed.
Mary K is survived by all her children: Jeannine Larry Cozzens of Billings, MT, David Vickie Orendorff of Woodinville, WA, Larry Libby Orendorff of Apopka, FL, Michael Melinda Orendorff of Pueblo, CO and Candace Tom Horton of Bellevue, WA; numerous grandchildren: Jessica Jourdan, Ryan, Erika Shyam, Johanna Marty, Jason, Renee Mike, Zayin, Tzaddi Matt, Patricia Nahum, Aaron Amanda, Cory and Tyler She also has three great-grandchildren.
Powell Tribune & Billings Gazette Memorials can be given to First United Methodist Church of Powell, WY, Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes, Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.
Woodinville Paper Memorials can be given to Habitat for Humanity EKC, Helping Hand at Bear Creek United Methodist Church of Woodinville, WA or any other charity supported by Bear Creek United Methodist Church, Evergreen Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Memorial services will be held at Bear Creek United Methodist Church 16530 Avondale Rd NE, Woodinville, WA on December 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. and the First United Methodist Church 137 W. 2nd Street, Powell, WY on December 18, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
For those unable to attend a guestbook maybe signed at Evergreen-Washelli www.washelli.com
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