Mary Truxal, 85, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2022 with her son, Scott, by her side.
Mary was born on February 25, 1937 in Burbank, CA. after attending Van Nuys Elementary and Van Nuys Jr. High, she graduated from Van Nuys High School in January 1955.
As a child, Mary lived with her grandma and namesake, Mary White, who had a big influence on her life. She was independent and strong willed. She had a strong sense of right and wrong. She was friendly and outgoing but did not suffer fools.
Mary gave birth to the son she always wanted, Scott, in 1957 in Deols, France. As a single mom, she raised her son to be responsible, self-sufficient, honest and kind. “It’s not what you say, but how you say it”. She valued honesty above all.
Mary lost her little brother, Bobby, in 1960. This left a huge hole in her heart.
Mary worked for Security Pacific National Bank, starting as a PBX Operator in February, 1959 and retired in March 1993 as a Vice President. She had a strong sense of style and was a firm believer in dressing for success. She saw the best in people, their potential to be great.
She did strike fear in her new daughter-in-law, a picky eater, when Shelly was told by other family members if she did not eat everything on her plate, she would be force fed by her new Mother-in-law! Thankfully this never came to pass.
After retirement, her love of flowers, especially tulips, led her to a job at Camarillo Floral, and her love of travel led to a stint as a travel agent. She travelled to France, Israel, Germany and even went river rafting on the Salmon River with her cousins in her 60’s! She especially loved travelling with her granddaughter, Rebecca on “Grandma’s Grand Adventures” which took them to Oregon, Boston, Hawaii, and on a river boat on the Mississippi River.
Mary was an amazing artist with an eye for color. She painted many decorative projects. She loved playing board games. Family games included Hearts, Aggravation and Yahtzee. She and Scott made Aggravation boards for the family complete with “baked” marbles. She enjoyed cardmaking and visiting with family and friends.
Lori remembers, as a small child, being driven home from grandma and gramps house in Simi by Aunt Mary. They would sing Jesus Loves Me, He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands and You Are My Sunshine. This last song holds special memories for Lori as she, in turn, sang it to her daughter, Ashley.
In 2012, Mary moved to Queen Creek, AZ to be near her family. She will be dearly remembered for her sense of humor and beautiful smile.
Mary was a lifelong member of United Methodist Church.
Mary is survived by her son, Scott (Shelly) Truxal, her granddaughter, Rebecca Morrison, her brother, Bill (Bobbie Kane) Scott, nieces Sharri (Michael Aguilar) de Silva (Jennifer, Jessica, Zachary, Gabi), Lori Forshee (Ashley), nephew Kenneth (Vicki) Martz (Joshua, Jonathan), family friend (“trouble’s brother”) Steven McKee and many cousins and others who call her Aunt Mary.
She was proceeded in death by her brother, Robert Martz, her grandmother, Mary White, and her parents, H Ward (Marty) Martz and Sarah (Sally) Martz.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home, 21809 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ.
A funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 2394 Erringer Road, Simi Valley, CA.
She will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Chatsworth, CA alongside her brother and parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Church (Queen Creek, AZ or Simi Valley, CA).