Mary Frances Windes

BURLEY– Mary Frances Thompson Brown Windes, 85, of Burley, passed away Monday, Sept. 24, 2015, at Parke View Care and Rehabilitation Center, after suffering ill-health for several months.

She was born April 11, 1930, in Macon County, Mo., the daughter of Lonnie William Thompson and Frances Lucile Truitt Thompson. Mary Frances was raised in Edina, Mo. She met a young, handsome, military man, John “Elmer” Brown. They were married Nov. 24, 1946. To this marriage were born the first set of twins in Edina. Jerry and Peggys’ milestones were recorded for many years. Five years later another son, Richard (Rick), was born.

Mary was baptized Nov. 22, 1953, at the Christian Church of Novelty, Mo. After farming near Novelty, the family moved to Burley, Idaho, hoping to get farm land north of Paul, Idaho. Mary and Elmer later divorced, but stayed lifelong friends.

In Missouri, she was always called Mary Frances by family and friends. When grandchildren arrived she became known as Grandma Mary. She worked at the Shelley Processing Plant and retired from the J. R. Simplot Company in 1982. She enjoyed fishing, yard sales, reading, watching HGTV and the cooking channels, sewing, embroidery work and going to Jackpot to play Keno. She loved animals - especially cats; they loved to be close to her. Mary’s favorite time was spent with her family. Christmas Eve was her night! Family always gathered at Grandma Mary’s for a dinner and to open presents. She was always interested in their activities and health. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was felt by all who were able to meet her.

Mary’s friend and future sister-in-law arranged a blind date with her husband’s brother visiting from Missouri. They hit-it-off and had a long-distance romance. On Sept. 15, 1982, Mary married John S. Windes in Elko, Nev., after one date. They lived in Kansas City, Mo., until John retired from the railroad; after which, they moved back to Burley to be closer to Mary’s family. John and Mary were devoted to her children and especially the grandchildren; attending any and all activities in which they were involved.

Mary is survived by her children, Jerry (Della) Brown, Peggy J. Lee, Rick (Kathie) Brown all of Burley; five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Darrell Richard Thompson; husband, John S. Windes; former husband, John “Elmer” Brown; and a granddaughter, Christina Jean Brown.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. Interment will follow at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.