Mary Carver Laws

Mary was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on February 27, 1926. She was the oldest of four children. On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, Mary passed away in her home in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Loring Hiram Carver and Elsie Marie Carver (Moren); her brother Loring Edmund Carver; her sister Louann Hilsen; and her husband of 56 years Claude "Buddy" Vincent Laws. She is survived by her brother Ronald Jean Carver (Marian); children Nancy Ann Jenrette (Thom), Sandra Lou White (Lee), and Linda Kay Searcy (Mike); along with 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and many, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1949 with a Bachelor's degree in Music and English. She taught elementary music in seven grade schools in Iron Mountain, Michigan, and high school choir in Richland, Washington, where she met and married her "Buddy." She called him "My Buddy" for the 56+ years they were married before he passed in 2007. He used to call her "Butch."

Mary led a very active life, and worked with many organizations (most of which were charitable in nature), including Girl Scouts while her girls were growing up in Burien, Washington; Homemakers Club, Ham Radio Club and making socks for Iditarod sled dogs while living in Anchorage, Alaska; knitting slippers for our troops and booties for the new babies at the local hospitals in the Olympia, Washington area in addition to dozens of pairs of booties and many hats for the babies through CareNet. She enjoyed sewing and made many, many bridal gowns. Mary was a voracious reader and loved to play Bridge. She also belonged to the Scott Lake Garden Club for many years.

"I am the place that God shines through

For He and I are one, not two.

He wants me where, and as I am,

I need not fret, nor will, nor plan.

If I'll just be relaxed and free

He'll carry out His plan through me."

. - Jane Bartlett Walter

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the West Thurston Regional Fire Association (10828 Little Rock Road SW, Olympia WA 98512) and/or The Maytown Assembly of God (2920 Tierney Street SW, Olympia WA 98512). A Celebration of Mary's Life will be held at the Scott Lake Community Center (2631 114th Way SW, Olympia WA 98512) on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 6-8 p.m.