Mary Oberlander

Funeral Services for Mary E. Oberlander, 73, of Baker, MT will be 11:00 a. m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with Pastor Levi Durfey officiating. Interment will follow in Bonnievale Cemetery at Baker. Visitation will be 3:00 p. m. to 9:00 p. m. on Tuesday, April 26th, at Stevenson funeral Home with at Prayer Service at 7:00 p. m. Mary passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at Fallon Medical Complex in Baker. Mary Ellen Oberlander was born on February 9, 1938, in Lenox, IA, the daughter of Ward and Mildred (Morley) Eckler. Mary grew up and attended country schools west of Lenox and later finished high school in Lenox. As a girl, she belonged to the Girl Scouts of America and 4-H club. After completing school, Mary went on to attain a degree at AIB Business College in Des Moines, IA. She spent her early years doing secretarial work and would eventually become involved in the restaurant business. During this time, she was married, and to this union a daughter, Brenda was born. Mary began to lose her sight by 1979. However, she was determined not to let this slow her down. She soon enrolled back into school at Des Moines Community College to study Medical Transcription. Shortly there after, Mary was both honored and recognized as the first Blind Student to graduate from the College. In 1983, Mary met Leonard at the Iowa Department of the Blind where she was working. On February 8, 1985, Mary and Leonard were united in marriage at Des Moines. Soon after, she became an active member in the National Federation of the Blind. A highlight for Mary came when she attended a Leadership Seminar in Baltimore MD. Together, for almost ten years, Mary and Leonard owned and operated a vending business back in Iowa. They came to Baker in 1997, where they would make their final home. Mary lost her sight in 1999. Her faith was important to her as she had accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior, she was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. The staff at Fallon Medial Complex was an important part of Mary?s each and every day. Mary never let her blindness be a handicap. She enjoyed crafts, crocheting and visiting with her friends. A very special event Mary participated in last summer in Baker was the first annual Relay for Life. Mary was very proud to have been asked to participate and just as proudly she wore the Survivor shirt she was given. That evening held a special place in her heart until her death. Mary always called a spade a spade, but was quick to give praise to someone who went above and beyond. She will long be remembered for her telephone skills. Mary was like a walking phone book! Many will miss her phone calls. Mary is survived by her loving husband, Leonard of Baker, MT; her daughter, Brenda Oeth of Farmington, MN and her many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ward and Mildred and her brother, Billy Eckler. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Relay for Life in memory of Mary.


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Burial Date: April 27, 2011
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: Wednesday, Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT