Mary Kathryn Swarthout, 95, passed away peacefully with her husband in Redmond, on Oct. 3, 2026. She lived her life to the fullest, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family. 

Mary was born on June 30, 1931 in Portland, to William and Beatrice Eilertson. She and her older sister, Margaret “Midge,” spent their childhood visiting their grandparents farm and participating in the Rose Festival annually where Mary was a rosebud princess. 

After high school, Mary enrolled at University of Oregon to pursue education studies. She was also involved in Greek life on campus, a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. It is there where she met her future husband, Leslie “Ray” Swarthout, during a dance social. The two were lovingly paired up together because of their similar short statures. Despite their height, their love grew far beyond their wildest dreams. They married in 1951 and welcomed their first daughter, Cynthia, into the world. While Ray served in the Korean War, Mary moved back to Portland to be with her family, expecting their second daughter, Sherry. 

Once Ray returned home safely, the two set their sights east to Burns, where the Swarthouts owned and operated a Shell station and Dodge dealership. Together, the two managed the shell gas station in Burns for over 45 years. While Ray worked in the family business, Mary certainly had plenty to keep her busy with the additions of two more daughters, Karen and Deanna. 

Raising her children was the joy of her life. Through the girl’s childhood Mary instilled the traditions of Sundays at church, holidays with extended family, large family reunions and enjoying all outdoor activities Oregon has to offer.  Mary loved to ski, fish, hunt, camp, snow mobile and soak up the surrounding beauty of Harney county and beyond. 

Her children highlight yearly Cultus Lake trips that were a mixture of laughter, home cooking, and family time with her sister Midge, her husband, Ralph Nevills, and their children Bill, Tom and Nancie. 

Mary also was heavily involved in the community. Some of the many memberships she held included Jaycee Women, Order of the Eastern Star, and Epsilon Sigma Alpha. She also was a deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Burns, taught at headstart preschool and participated in bridge club for decades. Through these connections she had lifelong friendships she cherished often spent around a table at Broadway Deli in Burns. 

As her daughters married and set off on their own paths, Mary deeply developed her own hobbies. She was a talented gardener, watercolorist, and card maker. Her true talent, however, was as a grandmother. Mary was lucky enough to have five grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. With all these family members, Mary’s love never seemed to dissipate, but only flourished. She was a never ending source of comfort, kindness, and love. She had a laugh that easily infected the family members around her into “giggle fits.” She always was there to offer a hug or a cookie, whichever would comfort more, and she gave undivided attention and love to those in her circle. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Ray; her daughters, Cindy, Sherry, Deanna; her grandchildren, Stacy, Brandon, Darcy, Kristen, McKenna; her great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who treasured her presence. She was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret; parents, William and Beatrice; and daughter, Karen. 

Please join us for Mary’s memorial service at the Burns Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 at 3 p.m.