Mary R. Bivens, 80, died peacefully December 24, 2011 at her home in Ventura. She was born on June 27, 1931 in Gunnison, Colorado, the daughter of Alfred and Georgia Smith. She grew up in Colorado Springs, and after graduation from High School, joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving at Hamilton Air Force Base near San Francisco. In 1953, she married Bert Bivens while he was serving in the Navy at Indian Head, Maryland. They later lived in Illinois for two years, before moving to Burbank, California, where she devoted herself to raising her three children. She retired to Ventura in 1991.
She was preceded in death by her parents and adopted granddaughter Pamela Bivens. Survivors include her brother, George (Jacque) Smith of Littleton, Colorado, her sister, Barbara Gipe of Fresno, California, her husband, her son Bruce Bivens of Camarillo, her daughters Susan Fredrickson of Simi Valley and Diane Ross of Ventura, six grandchildren, William Willis, Robert Fredrickson, Camden Ross, Brian Bivens, Steven Bivens and Jack Bivens and eight great grandchildren. Also, remaining are nieces Kathleen Smith, Connie Ray, and Debbie Ray, and nephews Todd Smith and Kevin Ray.
Mary was especially fond of folk dancing, and involved herself in Greek dancing for an extended period during her life. She delighted in family get-togethers and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
She has requested that there be no memorial service.
Arrangements under the direction of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura, CA. (805) 642-8134
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18