Mary Gerdes

    Mary Gerdes, of Edna, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013 at the age of 97.  She was born in Ingomar,  Miss., on March 22, 1916, to the late Henry Wade and Hollis Gray Nowlin.
    Mary was a retired housekeeper and shared her love of playing cards and dominoes with her family and friends.
    Mary is survived by her daughters, JoAnn Zajicek of Ganado, Elaine Smith and husband Jerry of Edna; sisters, Gladys Green of Edna, Alene Braddock of Edna; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and many loving family members.
    Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph Gerdes; daughter, Linda Ermis; great-grandson, Hardy Riggs; sisters, Ida Brieten and Addie Dittrick.
    Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m at Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.  A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 1 at Memory Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Petering  officiating.
    Pallbearers are Charles Zajiek, Barth Smith and Glen Ermis. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Zajiek, Derek Steadham, John Riggs, Cameron Moore, Mason Moore, Clayton Kuntz, Chase Kuntz, Holt Ermis and Ty Ermis. 
    Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.