Mary Edith Paul

September 22, 1920 – May 15, 2020

Mary Edith Paul was received into the arms of her Savior just before midnight on Friday, May 15, 2020. She lived 99 strong, healthy years loving Jesus and all the people around her. She passed away in her Othello home attended by her daughter Dianna Jones and three grandchildren Cheryl, Kim and Leroy.

Mary Edith Meng was born on Sept. 22, 1920, in Saskatchewan, Canada, to Harvey and Mabel Meng. She had two brothers both of whom have preceded her in death. Mary grew up on Whidbey Island, Washington, where she owned a beauty salon.

Mary met Solomon Delbert Besherse while he was stationed at Ft. Casey during World War II. They were married in the Methodist Church in Coupeville, Washington, on Oct. 12, 1941, and had four children Dianna (of Othello, Washington), Lawrence (“Larry” of Othello, Washington), Bernie (of Panama) and James (“Jim” of Germansen Landing, British Columbia, Canada), all of whom survive Mary. The family moved from Sedro Woolley to homestead in Othello, Washington, in 1954 when the Columbia Basin was being developed. They planted an apple orchard, Sonshine Fruit Farm, which they operated till 1983. Between 1983 and Solomon Delbert’s passing in 1987, Mary and Delbert traveled and fished British Columbia, Canada, Alaska, and the U.S. where many cousins, aunts and uncles lived.

Mary Edith Besherse married Harry Donald Rolph of Moses Lake on Aug. 11, 1990. Don passed away Oct. 27, 1994. On March 10, 1995, she married James I. Paul of Mount Vernon, Washington. The two were active members of the Othello Nazarene Church and kept busy with gardening and home improvement projects. Jim passed away May 20, 2015.

Mary loved to sew, go to yard sales, have family around and travel, including a cruise to Alaska with the Gaither Gospel Singers in her 98th year. She collected dolls for whom she crocheted clothes. She worshiped God with her whole heart and was a shining beacon of love to her church, community, and family.

Mary is survived by relatives coast to coast from Canada to South America including her four children, 11 nieces and nephews, 21 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren. The youngest, Oliver Brock Lee, was born on May 15, 2020, just hours before Mary’s passing. She is preceded in death by three husbands and two great-grandsons, Shane Besherse (August 1990) and Austin Luna (Oct. 31, 1995 - Sept. 10, 2002).

Mary will be laid to rest at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens in Othello on Friday May 22, 2020, at 2 p.m. after a short viewing at Stevens Funeral Home on Seventh Avenue. You are also invited to a memorial service on Sept. 19, 2020 from 4-6 p.m. at the Othello Nazarene Church. The date was selected to coincide with her 100th birthday celebration.