Mary K. Orendorff

Posted

(Dec. 12, 2008)

Mary K. Orendorff, 80, long-time Powell resident and former teacher in the Powell schools, died Friday, Dec. 12 in Washington state, losing her battle with cancer. She was surrounded by love at the time of her death.

She was born Mary K. Hamilton on Feb. 6, 1928, to Opal Matticks and Elmer Hamilton in Ashland, Kans.  She graduated from Ashland High School. She met SinClair Orendorff in college, and they married Nov. 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 at Stillwater, Okla., 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.  She remained actively involved in the Powell community after her retirement. Some of her special interests were the Loaves and Fishes food bank, recycling and Habitat for Humanity.

She was also 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, Wash., in 2005 to live with her son, David, and his wife and to be close to her youngest daughter, Candace, and numerous grandchildren.  She remained actively involved with her church, the local Habitat for Humanity and continued her passion for bridge.

Mary K. was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and underwent surgery and treatments.

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, Mont., David (Vickie) Orendorff of Woodinville, Wash., Larry (Libby) Orendorff of Apopka, Fla.., Michael (Melinda) Orendorff of Pueblo, Colo., and Candace (Tom) Horton of Bellevue, Wash.; 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.

Memorials can be given to First United Methodist Church of Powell, the Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes, Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity or a charity of choice.

Memorial services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Powell on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. and at Bear Creek United Methodist Church (16530 Avondale Rd NE, Woodinville, Wash.) on Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.

For those unable to attend, a guestbook may be signed at Evergreen-Washelli (www.washelli.com)

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