Mary L. Spence, 83, peacefully passed away May 2, 2021, at Sublette Center in Pinedale, Wyo.
Mary Louise was born Aug. 7, 1937, near Merna, Wyo., to Milton McKinley David and Ethel Illinois Hodson David. The family later moved over the hill to the Beaver area where Mary spent her childhood with her siblings. Many of Mary’s fondest childhood memories were of the time she spent tagging along with “Uncle Buck” Baker, particularly her attempts to ride his hunting dogs. Her education began at home and later she attended high school in Pinedale, Wyo.
Three children were born during her marriage to Cork Lozier: Michael Robert, Patrick Allen and Delta Ann. Mary and Cork raised Hereford cattle while they owned “The Meyer’s Place” on Horse Creek. After the marriage, Mary moved to Pinedale, where she worked at various guest ranches and bars, honing her sharp wit and ability to handle any situation – including dealing with the actors that came from Hollywood to film “The Legend of Earl Durand.” During this time, she married Ross Alexander and their home at the Kratz house became a community hub for family and friends.
In 1974, she moved to Cody, Wyo., where she owned the Buffalo Bill Bar. She also did volunteer work at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody and forged lifetime friendships in the community.
She moved back to Sublette County in 1979, living in Kendall Valley during her marriage to Alex Spence, after which she moved to Pinedale with her beloved Australian terrier, Annie. Annie and Mary shared many adventures together in the last chapter of her life, including the battle against the blasted gophers in the garden.
Mary was constantly working at her hobbies. She was an excellent leatherworker and was fascinated with Native American crafts and culture. She made many traditional belts, drums, wind catchers and other items, some of which were sold in galleries, many of which were gifted to family and friends. The rocks she was constantly gathering were always scattered in her homes and yards. She loved music and dancing and was often found in her workshop with her music playing as she worked on another project.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael Robert Lozier, siblings Beth Dorcheus, Ruth Harkins, Lucy Neely, Melvin David and Marge Gumfory.
She is survived by her sister, Lorena Jane Kellar, children, Pat Lozier and Delta (Mac) McCormick, grandchildren, Cody Lozier and Megan (Travis) Williams, along with great- grandchildren, James and Cora Williams.
A celebration of life will be held in June at the Daniel Community Center, details will be shared closer to the date.
