WOOTAN, Mary Lou

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 08/15/2006 Mary Lou Wootan , 71, died Aug. 4, 2006 in Bremerton Wash. She was a resident of Port Ludlow, Washington. She was born Aug. 18, 1934 in Bisbee. She grew up in southern Arizona and lived in Arizona for a total of 37 years combined. She was a graduate of Willcox High School, located in southern Arizona, where she met and married Gerald Wootan. Mary Lou moved to Port Ludlow at the time of his retirement from the Pulp and Paper industry. Mary Lou recently celebrated 54 years of marriage to Gerald. During her years in Show Low she was active in many civic organizations. She was an active chairperson for the American Cancer Society, she served as Brownie leader, and was active in the local United Methodist Church. Music was a great love of hers most memorably lived out during a community choir performance of Handel's Messiah. She played Saxophone in her early days but loved playing piano for her own amazement. Cooking was a passion and she was well known among her friends throughout her life for various unique dishes. As a National Ski Patrol Ski Angel, Mary Lou was a beacon of comfort to many an injured adventurer on the slopes of Sunrise Ski Area in the White Mountains of Arizona. Selected as Woman of the Year in the city of Show Low Mary Lou's dedication to her community was well documented. The American Cancer Society was always high on her list of things to be involved in. She was an avid seamstress and comforted friends family and strangers with delicately sewn headgear when the ravages of chemotherapy affected them. Relocations through the years took her coast-to-coast where she most recently was a member of the Kitsap County Woodcarvers along with her husband. She was a member of the American Sewing Guild. As a member of the Port Ludlow Yacht Club she enjoyed voyages, and activities. Before ill heath overtook her she took great delight in line dancing. Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Gerald A. Wootan of Port Ludlow; daughter, Donna Kay (Matthew L.Versluis) and grandchildren, Matthew Gerald, Sarah Louanne, and Kate Diane of all Alexandria Ky. Also surviving her is Sue Nelson, her precious sister residing in Thatcher. Mary Lou was preceded in death by daughter, Judy, who passed from this life in 1966 at the age of 8; sister, Lily Mae; mother, Mary Cornelia (Kimbrough) Harris-Brashear, and father, Harry Harris. A celebration of life was held Aug. 8 at Port Ludlow Beach Club. Donation in Mary Lou's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.