Mary Alice Irvine

Mary Alice Irvine, 88, passed away in Klamath Falls, Oregon on Feb. 16, 2023. She was born to Paul and Ruby Chandler on July 7, 1934 in Horton, Kansas. Her family lived in Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado while she was growing up. She attended college at Central Missouri State college, then was recruited to rural Malheur Refuge as a 20-year-old young woman to teach in a one-room schoolhouse. There she was swiftly filched away from her duties by then 31 year-old bachelor, Earl (Sinker) Irvine, whom she promptly married. Mary spent the next few years raising their young children, returning to teaching in Malin Oregon, after their children reached school age. Mary was a life-long learner, earning bachelor and masters degrees from Oregon State University. She taught primary and secondary school for 47 years in Oregon, California and Nevada. After retiring from teaching, Mary did volunteer work for Klamath County Library and served on the library board. Mary attended church at the Presbyterian Church of Malin and Peace Memorial of Klamath Falls. She always had great joy serving her church, holding many offices and serving as an elder. She also enjoyed playing softball, sewing, reading books, gardening and watching the local sports teams.

Mary dedicated her life to teaching and building up others. Her guiding presence will be dearly missed.

Mary is survived by her children Allen (Tara) Irvine of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Lesly (Dwight) Matney of Santa Paula, California; grandchildren: Travis (Sara) Irvine of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Chantry (Ryan) Forney of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Sean (Melanie) Matney of Ventura, California; and 3 great grandchildren: Michael, Rachel and Hannah.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Irvine, parents, Paul and Ruby Chandler, and brother, James Chandler.

A celebration of life will be at the Malin Presbyterian Church on March 4, 2023, with a viewing and fellowship at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Her final resting place will be at the Malin Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Klamath County Library: https://klamathlibrary.org/donate