Salem- Services for Mary Knowles Kingsley Cummings will be at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services, 605 Commercial St SE, Salem OR Saturday January 24, 2009 at 11:00 am. Pastor Bret Truax of Calvary Baptist Church will officiate. Mary was 98 and had family at her side and the facility cat when she went to her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on January 15, 2009.
Born in Eugene OR October 5, 1910, Mary’s early childhood was near Cascadia, OR. School years were in the Eugene and Mapleton areas.
Mary’s father, Archie O. Knowles was the first white boy born in the Siuslaw river area, and he was 11 before there was another white boy in school with him. He later became the first National Forest Ranger in the Cascade National Forest. The Archie Knowles National Forest Campground at Mapleton is named for him. The museum at Florence has a section on Archie, and the National Forest Service headquarters at Sweet Home also has a section on him.
Mary’s mother, Margie Young Knowles, wrote a book on the Siuslaw Natives, and a book, “Honeymoon on Horseback”, telling of living in a tent and various experiences in the Cascades their first year of marriage.
Mary attended one year at University of Oregon, then returned to Mapleton to teach piano. The family had to cross the Siuslaw river by boat to go to Mapleton. Her present family affectionately says she tried “walking on water” because one stormy evening her brother Carl was boating her across the river after she had been teaching piano. Carl thought he was beside the dock and told Mary she could get out. They weren’t in the right place and she stepped into the water. Her skirts floated up and she didn’t even get her hair wet. Mary also paddled canoe several times from Mapleton to Florence, about a 15 mile trip. She would go to Florence on the outgoing tide and return to Mapleton on the incoming tide.
Donald C Kingsley and Mary married in 1938. They adopted one son, Ronald Merlin Kingsley in 1945. They lived in the Eugene area until 1955, moved to Eureka CA, and then to Salem OR in 1960. Don passed away in 1962.
Mary took employment with Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services in 1962 and served with them until 1976.
Orval M. Cummings and Mary were married March 10, 1966. Mary’s description was, “I married the best man in the world and got 6 kids in the deal!” Two of the six were still at home. A frequent family saying to Mom was, “Flattery will get you everywhere”. Always sincere, Mary had compliments and encouragement for everyone. Orval and Mary enjoyed 43 wonderful years together. Mary lived in a trailer wherever Orval worked, went on hunting and fishing trips…wherever he went, she went. Orval’s regular comment about their relationship has been, “Living with Mary is as close to heaven as one can get here on earth”.
Mary was involved in American Baptist Women, Calvary Baptist Church where she was the oldest member, loved playing the piano, organ and singing. She was a seamstress, and loved all kinds of handwork. Her grandchildren remember her best for always having something ready for them to make, and teaching them. She was loved by everyone she met.
Survivors are her husband, Orval, children Edward B. Cummings and Jolene, Janice L. Montgomery and A.John, Ronald E.Cummings and Grace, Ronald M. Kingsley and Debbie, Don M. Cummings and Barbara, Roy L. Cummings and Elaine, Kay E. Brown and Ken, 21 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 16 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by brothers Carl and Robert Knowles and sister Odessa Knowles Johnson.
Family requests no flowers, but contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1230 Liberty St SE, Salem OR 97302.
Memorial Services will be at 11:00 am Sat. Jan 24th at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Condolences may be emailed to the family at v.t.golden@hotmail.com
