Mary Mason Yelderman

Mary Mason Yelderman, born December 25, 1920, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2014. She was the daughter of Dr. C. H. and Adele Mason and was born, raised and lived all of her 93 years in El Paso. Mary was preceded in death by her husbands William Clarke Snow, the Reverend William Burroughs and George R. Yelderman, and by her brother Ben Y. Mason. She is survived by her children Peggy Snow Ater (David), Richard Snow (Brenda), Robert Snow (Jane) and Karl Yelderman (Becky). She is also survived by her sister-in-law Betty Mason. Mary was particularly proud of her “girls”: granddaughters Kate Ater-Vasquez (Mateo), Molly Ater, Shannon Vealitzek (Nick), Maggie Snow, Erin Snow, Whitney Hegeman (Tim), Carrie Snow and four great grandchildren. Her close and caring family of four generations, along with her many friends, were her daily joy. Mary graduated in 1937 from Austin High School in El Paso and in 1941 from Randolph Macon Women’s College in Virginia. She was the 1942 El Paso Sun Carnival Queen. Mary was active in a number of organizations including Las Comadres, Pan American Round Table, and the YWCA. Mary worked as a librarian in the El Paso Public School District and Radford School for many years and always enjoyed a great love for reading and books. She was active in the Tuesday Book Club until her death and it was one of her not-to-be missed favorite activities. She loved El Paso and the Southwest, traveling extensively throughout the region. Mary was loved for her sharp wit, her positive outlook that she maintained even in the face of adversity, and her wonderful sense of humor and zest for life. She was never hesitant to speak her mind and remained actively interested in history, current affairs, and the activities and adventures of her family members, also participating in water aerobics and tai chi classes into her 90’s. Mary's family sincerely thanks her long-time physician, Dr. Branch Craige, along with her caregivers who assisted her during the last few years of her long and happy life with professionalism and kindness. Services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. at Sunset Funeral Home West, 480 N. Resler, with Reverend Ron Thomson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mary M. Yelderman Endowment at the El Paso Museum of Art Foundation, 1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso Texas 79902, or to the charity of your choice. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net