Mary Ann (Fulton) Conklin, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. She was born on November 12, 1933 in Morwood, Oklahoma to Roy and Clara (Langford) Fulton. Her parents lived in a covered wagon next to a creek, and yes she was born in a covered wagon. Their drinking water, bathing water and sometimes their dinner came from that creek.
When Mary was one year old her parents moved to a farm, where they lived for many years. Cotton was king and everyone in the family picked cotton, even 6 years old Mary. Due to the depression and dust bowl of the mid-west, work was very hard to come by. When Mary was 10 years old her father left and went to California to find work. A year later, Mary and her youngest sister Rita and their mother took the train and moved to California as well. They lived in California for many years where Mary’s mother working for the trains in Los Angeles.
When Mary was in high school she was hit by a drunk driver and received a hole in her head which she had until her death.
Mary was working as a waitress when she met Eddie Conklin and on March 21, 1953 they were married. On November 12, 1953 Mary’s 20th birthday she gave birth two months early to twins Russ and Nancy Conklin.
Mary and Eddie retired and moved to Washington State in 1982. They had a wonderful life with 40 years of love that was shared with everyone.
She is survived by her son, Russ Conklin of Concrete; sister, Rita Norton of California; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Conklin; daughter, Nancy Conklin; and grandson, Nicholas Conklin.
A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 1:00PM at the Church of Christ, 901 S. 12th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 with Ward E. Ellsworth officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
I love you so much Aunt Mary, I hope you knew how you touched all our lives. We will always miss you!
Your niece,
Marcella