Obituary of Mary Elrod

Elrod, Mary Walser Died Nov. 12, two days before her 73rd birthday, in her Woodbury home of metastatic breast cancer. She was born to John and Myrtle Walser in Sioux Falls, S.D., where she grew up. She earned a journalism degree from South Dakota State in 1964. A few months later she married Sam Elrod, whom she met in journalism classes at SDSU. She and her husband took their first jobs at the Clinton, Iowa, Herald where they were reporters. In 1968 they moved to St. Paul and, in 1970, to Cottage Grove. After what Mary called an 18-year maternity leave, she became communications director for South Washington School District 833 in 1985. She retired in 2005 to travel and enjoy her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband; sister Janet Hall (Kent) of Omaha, Neb.; children, Matthew (Elizabeth) of Oberlin, Ohio, and Beth Richards (Mike) of Bloomington, Minn.; and four grandchildren: Jacob & Alyssa Richards and Julia & John Elrod. Here's what Mary said about her life: "On my 70th birthday I told friends that I'd had a great life -- even if it ended that day. My father taught me to love baseball, which became a lifelong passion culminating in the Twins winning World Series in 1987 and 1991. My mother's encouragement led to my being editor of elementary, junior high and senior high newspapers and headed me to journalism school at SDSU. That's where I met Sam Elrod, fellow journalist and lifelong love. After a couple of years working as a reporter I gave up my newspaper career in 1967 when Matt was born. An 18-year maternity leave followed (Beth was born in 1970). It was an opportunity for new friends, hobbies and new ways to contribute to the community, especially as a volunteer in the schools. I was active in the League of Women Voters and was first president of the Woodbury-Cottage Grove chapter. I decided to return to work in 1985, and my involvement in schools led to a perfect job as communications director for South Washington School District, a position I held for 20 years. Retirement led to more opportunities and new friends through membership in the Woodbury YMCA and American Association of University Women, where I helped revitalize the book club. I finally brought family and friends together when Sam and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at a party in 2014. What a life!" A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2125 Tower Drive in Woodbury, preceded by a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Memorials preferred to the scholarship fund of the American Association of University Women, St. Paul branch, 990 Summit Ave. St. Paul MN 55105, or Trinity Presbyterian Church.