San Pierre, Indiana – Mary E. Danford, 81, of San Pierre, Indiana, died on Saturday, July 4th, 2020, in Nevis, Minnesota.
She was born on February 14th, 1939, in Knox, Indiana, to George Franklin Sr. and Olive Bell (Cobbler) Wilson. Mary graduated from Knox Community High School, Knox, Indiana, in 1957, where she was proudly, yet humbly, named Homecoming Queen her senior year. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like planting and smelling her beloved roses, watching her playful cats, fishing, ice cream, and chocolate. Some of Mary’s most peaceful times were mornings spent on her Dixie Chopper, mowing her large front lawn. Gardening and baking were two of her pastimes that she delighted in sharing with family and friends. Mary loved a multitude of music from Elvis to hymns to classic country and never missed an opportunity to sing and dance along with her favorite tunes. She often was heard saying, “This too shall pass,” to her children and grandchildren as they sought her advice in times of need. Mary relished the role of being a farmer’s wife and enjoyed riding around to look at fields with her husband. Her greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was best known for her kindness, gentleness, and prayers to her Lord and Savior to protect and guide her family.
On June 15th, 1957, in San Pierre, IN, Mary married Jerry Danford Sr. who preceded her in death on April 30th, 2010. They were married 52 years and celebrated their 50th-anniversary milestone surrounded by family. Survivors include their children: Jerry Danford Jr. and his wife Loretta of San Pierre, IN, Shari Surma and her husband Wil of North Judson, IN, and Jason Danford Sr. and his wife Dawn of San Pierre, IN; daughter-in-law, Sue Danford-Packer; grandchildren: Jamie Harper and her husband Robert, Brandy Harris and her husband Greg, Jennifer Schaffer and her husband Tyler, John Danford Jr., Julie Marsh and her husband Brad, Shelli Effinger and her husband Kris, Jacalynn Surma, Mary Jones and her husband Kurt, Jerred Surma, Jason Danford Jr., Jerry Danford, and Joshua Danford; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings: one sister, Betty Wilson and three brothers: Robert (Mary) Wilson, Donald (Grace, deceased) Wilson, and Richard Wilson; and cherished friend, Shirley Hardesty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, John Danford Sr., in June 2002, two brothers: George Wilson Jr. and Clyde Wilson, and one sister, Catherine Guyse.
There will be a visitation on Monday, August 31st, 2020, at St. John’s Lutheran Church – Parish Hall, LaCrosse, Indiana, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. A memorial service will begin at 12:00 noon in the Church.
The family requests no flowers. Please consider a memorial to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, 954 W. Washington Blvd. Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60607.
