In Memory
Mary Lynn Stayton 1948 - 2010
Mary Lynn Stayton, of Gunnison, died from cancer April 21, 2010, at her home. She was 61.
She was born May 1, 1948, in Westpoint, Neb., the daughter of Dr. Theodore E. and Ruby V. Schwemly Schoeni.
She graduated from McCook High School in 1966 and spent four years at the University of Wyoming.
Mary Lynn married Tom Stayton Dec. 28, 1974, in McCook, Neb.
She worked as the head teller at First National Bank in Craig from 1976 to 1982. She left the bank to be a stay-at-home mother.
A memorial service took place April 26, 2010, at the Iola picnic area at Blue Mesa Reservoir, and cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gunnison Country Food Pantry, 321 N. Main St., in Gunnison, or a charity of your choice.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Stayton, at home; and daughters Shannon Stayton, of Englewood, and Lindsey Stayton, of Gunnison.
Mary Russell (Myers) (1967)
I don’t ever remember a time in my childhood when I didn’t know Mary Lynn. Our parents were friends which led to us becoming friends at a very early age. I recall going to quite a few of Mary Lynn’s famously fun birthday parties, starting before I was of school age. During most of our childhood years, we lived within four blocks of each other so we’d hang out together a lot. Many Saturdays we’d walk downtown and in the summer she and I would spent countless afternoons in the Kelly Park pool. We were even candle lighters together in a wedding. She got her driver’s license a year before me, so she’d swing by and pick me up for high school during my sophomore year. We even took a few trips together and later visited each other’s colleges. I thank God that I had Mary Lynn in my life to help me create many, many wonderful memories, for being my maid of honor when my husband, Marv, and I got married, and for having me stand with her as she and Tom got married. She was a character, a delight and a true friend! It is with a lot of joy that I celebrate her life, but I also deeply grieve her passing. She leaves so many people she’s touched and brought much laughter to throughout her life including her wonderful husband and two beautiful grown daughters.