MARY V. STRICKLETT

Mary V. Stricklett, a long-time resident of Blair and Washington County, died March 21, 1987. She was 80 years old.

The daughter of Peter and Esther Bouvier Stricklett, Mary was born at DeSoto on August 18, 1906. She received her early education at both DeSoto School and Goll School.

In 1916, the Strickletts moved to the “house on the hill,” at the edge of Blair, which has been the family home for 70 years.

After graduating from Blair High School in 1923, she attended Wayne State Teacher’s College for one year, which was followed by four years of teaching at Fort Calhoun.

Another year of study at Wayne qualified her for a position in the Fremont schools, where she taught Palmer Method penmanship, various grade and art in the junior high.

By attending summer classes and night school, Stricklett was able to graduate from Wayne State in 1943, wearing the cord of highest distinction.

In 1968, “Miss Stricklett” retired from the classroom, bringing to an end a teaching career which spanned 39 years.

In 1969, when Blair celebrated its centennial year, Mary drew the design for the souvenir plate. More recently, she spent many hours in preparing the Washington County History for publication.

Helping at the Washington County Museum has been one of her most enjoyable projects.

Through her talents in art and writing and her love and caring for others, she has touched many lives and certainly has left her footprint.

Mary leaves in mourning three sisters, Dorothy Andersen, Willow Springs, Missouri; Inabelle Powel, Fairfax, Virginia; Coral Jean McVicker, Hastings; and one brother, Roger of Blair.

One brother, Peter Jr., and her parents preceded her in death. Numerous nieces and nephews and close relatives will miss Aunt Mary.

A member of the Congregational Church since 1922, Mary has served as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, deaconess and clerk.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 1987 at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Christ. Rev. Debra Thompsett will officiate. Burial will be in the Blair Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Louis Andersen; Thomas Powell; Mark McVicker; Ronald Stricklett; Bruce McVicker; and Roger Stricklett.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Jipp Jr.; J. Merton Kuhr; and J. Hilton Rhoades.

Memorials may be made to the Washington County Museum or the Maxwell Arboretum at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.