Mary A. Gebhardt

On a summer day in 1921 in Dallas, Texas, Mary Amelia Gebhardt came into this world; she left it on July 26th, 2008. She passed into Heaven peacefully, with her daughter, Susan Drumm-Horton and her son, Larry Gebhardt by her side. Her husband and her parents, Verna Mae and Homer Weber Hard, were waiting with outstretched arms on the other side to welcome her Home. Leaving Dallas in her youth and moving to Elkhart, Indiana the family settled in Sunbury, Pennsylvania where she met the young man who would be the love of her life, always. Eugene Lawrence Gebhardt, known to many simply as "Gebby". They were married while the war was raging and spent the next 45 years sharing a zest for life and a spirit of adventure, always planning their next trip and embracing new experiences. They moved to the Southwest in 1973, bought the old Olson's Jewelry store, renaming it Gene's Fine Jewelers, and settled into life in the desert. She loved the Organ Mountains and their many faces, and would praise their beauty to her friends back East. The skies and the clouds truly seemed enchanted to her in her new land. Always organized, Mary took on many chairmanships of committees and was extremely active in her church, Trinity Lutheran and for a few years, Mission Lutheran. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. She sang in the church choir and early in her life, was one of a trio, singing on the radio. Her passion, though was always her family - her grandchildren, Shannon G. Holden in Atlanta, Ga. with her husband, Chris and their three children, Matthew, Stephen and Erica; Dustin W. Drumm with Heather in Burke, Va., with Riley and Jacob; and Christopher A. Drumm in Ft. Worth, TX. Included in her family were Beau and Bonnie, two little white poodles, all bringing constant joy to her life. Animals and old folks - she had a special place in her heart for them. For many years she served as an Ombudsman, a position she took most seriously, advocating for residents in nursing homes. There she met many wonderful people who would care for her in the last years of her life at The Heritage Assisted Living. As her memory slipped away, there were those around her who would remember for her. God bless them. And may He hold her kind and gentle soul close, keeping her safe always, until she welcomes us Home. A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 10:00 in the morning at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2900 Elks Drive in Las Cruces. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial in Mary's name to Mesilla Valley Hospice, Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary or Trinity Lutheran Church. PDF Printable Version