Mary J. Vass 1924-2003 Obituary
Mary Joan Vass, 78, formerly of Ona, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at the International Order of Odd Fellows home in Elkins, where she had been a resident for nearly six years.
Mrs. Vass was born May 30, 1924, in Barboursville, a daughter of the late William and Mabel Hash Buchanan.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold V. Meehling, in 1944, and her second husband, Harold V. Vass, in 1984.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Meehling Lauvray and son-in-law, Levi, of Ona; a son, Homer H. Vass and daughter-in-law, Emmy, of Beckley; four grandsons and two granddaughters-in-law, Larry, Jill, Loren and Sue Lauvray, and Harold and Christopher Vass; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack W. Buchanan and his wife, Pat, of Winchester, Ky.; and one sister, Margaret J. McLain of Newark, Calif.
Mrs. Vass is also leaving a caring family of staff and residents at the IOOF home and many Rebekah Lodge sisters and Odd Fellow Lodge brothers from around the state. She was a member of Delphia Rebekah Lodge No. 62 in Elkins, after having transferred her membership through the years from Iaeger No. 66, Rainelle No. 217 and Huntington No. 164.
She was past president of the Rebekah Assembly of West Virginia, a member and past president of Charleston Auxiliary No. 7 Ladies Patriarch Militant of West Virginia Inc., and past president of Department Association Ladies Auxiliary Patriarch Militant of West Virginia IOOF Inc.
Mrs. Vass served as past noble grand and district deputy president in her lodge and district, as well as several other appointments in the Rebekah Assembly of West Virginia, including international representative for the state.
She was awarded the Decoration of Chivalry, which is the highest honor given to a Rebekah by the Fraternal Order of Odd Fellows.
Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville. A special memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. by her Rebekah Lodge sisters. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. T.J. DuBose of the Milton Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park. From 29 May 2003.
Mary J. Vass 1924-2003 Obituary
