Obituary of Mary Ellen Thurman

Mary Ellen (Lies) Thurman, 89, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021. Mary Ellen Lies was born on February 12, 1932, to Lawrence and Martha (Endres) Lies in New Rockford, ND. She was raised on the family farm in Bremen, N.D., received her nursing degree in Duluth, MN., and moved to Salem, Oregon where she had a long and distinguished career with the Salem Hospital. Mary Ellen was married to Robert Pendergraft on November 29, 1969, and became step-mother to his four children Kenneth (deceased), Julie, Cathy, and Bob. Robert predeceased Mary Ellen on October 25, 1994. On February 17, 1996, Mary Ellen married Donald Thurman and became stepmother to his four children, Dan, Karen, Ramona, and Annette. Donald predeceased Mary Ellen, on February 9, 2012. Mary Ellen is survived by her two sisters Kathryn Ann Lies and Clara Mae Vanzura and her daughter Ann Marie Lang, as well as her step-children, grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen’s true legacy was however that if you knew her you loved her. She was a kind, generous and loving soul- she will be missed beyond measure. Mary Ellen’s funeral mass shall be held June 10th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., rosary at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 9905 McKenzie Street, Tigard, OR. Her cremated remains will be placed at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.