COLUMBUS
Mary Edith Glasson, of Columbus Indiana,
died at her home on December 19. She was 97 years old, born February 22, 1923, in St. Louis Crossing to Lester “Duke” Whittington and Hazel (Bowers) Whittington. Mary grew up helping with household and farm chores, milking cows before school and taking care of her younger siblings and cousins. During the Depression, at the age of 14, she began working summers in Columbus. She earned enough to buy fabric for school clothes that her mother made for her and her sisters. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1941.
After graduation she enrolled in beautician school in Indianapolis, until World War II presented new opportunities. In early 1943 after a 3-week training course, Mary began working as a government inspector in factories throughout Indiana that were transitioning to producing war equipment, including a top-secret new weapon that turned out to be the Norden Bombsight. She later worked in Denver, CO, and at the Dodge Chicago Plant, at that time the largest building in the world, before returning to Columbus where she worked at Cummins Engine Company through the end of the war and for a few years afterward.
During the 1950s and 1960s Mary worked hard as a housewife, raising her children in Columbus and continuing to work with her brothers and sisters helping their parents with farm work. After her youngest child started school Mary worked for several years at Irwin Union Bank & Trust and became involved in serving her community in a multitude of ways. She was a pioneer in community recycling efforts, which eventually led to her joining the Environmental council of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her life, Mary was passionate about both flower and vegetable gardens, and loved to share her extensive knowledge with both family and friends. In 1975 she was instrumental in launching the first farmers’ market in the Columbus area and later helped organize access to community garden plots. She stayed involved with her community, engaging city government officials, suggesting topics for newspaper articles, starting and joining groups intended to promote community improvements and contributing wherever she saw a need. This included longtime service to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus where she was a very active member.
Mary was a lifelong Democrat and worked tirelessly with local Democratic organizations. In 1999 Mary and her sister Elsie Hege were named Democrats of the Year by the state organization; and for years before and after the sisters organized garage sales, auctions and other events to help fund party activities.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Don Glasson; husband Dick Glasson; brothers Charles and Lester; sister Maxine Jackson; son Nick and daughters Diane and Susan. She is survived by sister Elsie Hege of Hope, son John Glasson of Columbus, daughter Patty (Mike Moody) Glasson of Brown County, granddaughter Maya (Aaron) Smith and great-grandson River Smith of Brown County, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In keeping with the families wishes, cremation will take place.
Inurnment will be at a later date at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus.
Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.
