Mary was a graduate of the University of Michigan in liberal arts, with a major in languages and a minor in journalism. She later completed master's coursework in education at Texas State University. She taught school for 15 years and was always grateful for the time she spent with the children, some of whom will be future leaders of our great country.
Mary lived a life of travel, first as a military wife and then as a full-timer with her husband of 63 years in their motorhome. She met Dodson in Guam while serving in the Special Services, organizing off-duty activities for soldiers and airmen. Their homes reached across the U.S. and included Sacramento, Calif.; Detroit, Mich.; Fairfax, Va.; Montgomery, Ala.; Mound, Minn.; San Antonio and Lake McQueeney, Texas; Surprise, Ariz.; Fairplay, Colo.; and finally settling in Bath six years ago.
Along the journey, Mary was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Red Hat Society, the Air Force Wives Choir and numerous bridge groups. She surrounded herself with music, being the first flutist in high school, mastered the dulcimer, played the organ and piano, attempted classical guitar and sang in numerous church choirs.
Mary is survived by her husband, Col. Dodson Graybeal, of Bath; daughter, Midge; grandchildren: Alexis and Nicholas, whom she adored, of Lake Oswego, Ore.; sister, Louise McGlone of Littleton, Colo.; brother, George Pinney of Tucson, Ariz.; her beloved companion, a dachshund appropriately named Red; and a host of friends and well-wishers.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and two older brothers: Charles and Earl Pinney.
She asked that she be placed with her parents at Stoughton, Wis., which will take place at a time in the future.
The memorial services will be at 2:30 p.m. on April 20, in the chapel at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home.
spitzerfuneralhome.com