Mary Klass

Mary Jean (Dondale) Klass was born September 21, 1927 in Phoenix, Arizona. Her parents were George and Margie Dondale. She had one younger sister, Helen. Although Mary and Helen's mother passed away when they were only ages 5 and 2, respectively, they were then raised by their father and their maternal grandmother. They still had a fun childhood growing up in downtown Phoenix, playing with the neighborhood children, going to the library, going to church, spending time with extended family. Mary graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1946. She worked for several years at Phoenix Christian High School in administration, before moving to Los Angeles, CA, where she would meet the love of her life, Joe Klass. They married on October 15, 1960, in Glendale, CA. They both enjoyed hiking in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Mary worked for many years as an Administrative Secretary. She was very devoted to Joe and his children, Teri, Kim and Melissa. She enjoyed being a step-mother, and later becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother.



Mary was a longtime member of Hollywood Presbyterian Church, and sang in the choir there for years. She loved God with all her heart, and enjoyed worshiping in the beautiful sanctuary on Sunday's, visiting with friends in the garden afterwards, attending Bible studies, and reading her daily devotions.



After the passing of her husband Joe in 2009, Mary continued to live in Los Angeles, until she could no longer live alone. She then moved to Wickenburg, AZ, to My Father's Retirement Ranch, to be closer to her family. She had four happy months there, enjoyed meeting new people, and more frequent visits from her family.



Mary passed away peacefully and entered her Heavenly reward, on October 21, 2016. Those who preceded her in death were her parents, her husband Joe, and her only sister, Helen.



Survivors include: brother-in-law, Robert; one niece, Cathy and her husband, Bill; one great-nephew, A.J.; 3 step-daughters, Teri, Kim and Melissa; 4 grandchildren, Valerie, Casey, Lucas and Camille; and 3 great-grandchildren.



A private family memorial will be held at a later date.