Mary Cunningham Oatley

Mary Cunningham Oatley, 84, a loving mother and grandmother, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the Vermillion Convalescent Center in Clinton, IN. Mary was born March 3, 1925 in Lyford, IN, to Samuel & Agnes (Haltom) Tilford. She worked at Heath Company in St. Joseph where she retired in 1982. Mary enjoyed camping, crocheting, and spending time with her family. Mary is survived by six daughters: Carol Barnes of Kearney, MO, Linda Bentley of South Haven, MI, Cathy Groh of Kansas City, MO, Tammy (Lon) Geisler of Stevensville, MI, Shelly (Mark) Berg of Baroda, MI and Serena (Jason) Springer of Henderson, KY; a son James (Ida) Cunningham of Coloma, MI; two step-sons David (Deanna) Oatley and Rod Oatley both of Flushing, MI; 30 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren and one sister Vera Tilford of Rosedale, IN; and several nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by two husbands: James Cunningham in 1987 and Gravenor Oatley in 2002; granddaughter Laurie Montgomery; great-grandson Douglas; and three sisters: Doris, Audrey, and Geneva. Friends may call from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23 at the funeral home with Rev. Marlo Fritzke officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 4624 Springhill Junction, Terre Haute, IN 47802 or the Alzheimer foundation. Friends wishing to send a message of condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.