Mary Dell Walls went to be with the Lord on March 4, 2024, at the age of 80. She was born in Two Rivers, Wis., on June 11, 1943, to parents Henry and Beulah Zeihen. Mary graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1966. After college she moved to New York City, working in human services.
In the early 1970s, after relocating to Northern California, she met her husband, Ray, who worked for the U.S. Forest Service. They were married March 15, 1977. After moving to Grand Junction, Colo., in 1983, they welcomed a baby girl, Julie. Ray and Mary fell in love with the state and enjoyed the great outdoors, especially camping and fishing. Mary was also active in their church and various women’s groups. In 2004 she retired from human services, and they relocated to Pagosa Springs, continuing to enjoy the mountains, gardening and, most importantly, the hot springs. Mary also started to pursue a previous interest in fiber arts, and Pagosa Peak Fiberworks was born. She spent a lot of time traveling to various art shows, promoting one-of-a-kind pieces of art. She loved to work with raw materials found in nature and there was no better place than in God’s country.
Her family held a private memorial in the mountains, celebrating her life. Mary is survived by her husband, Ray; their daughter, Julie Shobe; son-in-law Andrew Shobe; and grandson Weston.
Her devotion to her family will forever touch our hearts, as she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Rest in Him, Mary, until we see you again.
