"This is very sad news. I did so love her being a friend and we e-mailed fairly often. She was terrific and just so involved with life. I loved her decorating and her garden projects, it was so much fun to see what she was up as we traded stories about our home projects, travels and families. She was definitely very proud of and loved all her kids and grandkids and great-grand kids always telling me stories and sending pictures about graduations, engagements, weddings, births and birthdays about all of you. She and Phil were great while they were here in California. I remember Phil found a pie shop that was on his way in to work that made fresh in season fruit pies, after he shared a pie with us all the first time I would place orders with him for whenever he could find the time to stop into the pie shop for apricot, peach or Rhubarb pies. Oh, and I still laugh about the story she told me about Phil trying to make a babbling brook in the yard and how the bobcat tipped over. Mary Anne was a wonderful office partner and friend. She jumped right in to the fray of her new home and NASA Ames and its projects and people even though her heart was in Minnesota. ? May heart goes out to each of you. I know you will hold her dear to your hearts and she will live with you always. So sorry for your loss. I?m going to truly miss her. Lynn Albaugh, a NASA friend. "
In loving memory of
Mary Anne Overland
June 20, 1938 - October 26, 2018
Mary Anne Overland, age 80, of Rushford, Minnesota passed away Friday morning, October 26, 2018, at Winona Health Hospital, in Winona, Minnesota. She was surrounded by the peace of our Lord with her loving kids by her side. John 3:16
Mary Anne Overland was born June 20, 1938, in Cloquet, Minnesota to Henry and Vera (Johnson) Christiansen. After her father's passing they moved to Peterson, Minnesota. She attended Peterson High School. She married Karrol (Sam) Benson, the father of her children, they later divorced. She married Phillip Overland in 1973 and they lived in Peterson, San Francisco Bay area, and Rushford. She was a past member of Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson, MN, and current member of Rushford Lutheran Church.
Mary Anne was an incredible lady, loved by many. She had an unmatched passion and zest for life that allowed her to travel to many beautiful places making friends. She loved her annual vacations with her sister Joan and friends. She also loved the time she and Phil spent living in the Bay Area of California. After returning home to Minnesota they settled into their dream home (and yard) where Mary Anne loved spending time outdoors tending to her gardens. Her many trips to Duluth were something that she cherished. She also treasured her many loving friends close to home that meant the world to her. And, of course, her times spent with the Johnsons. The farm was indeed a special place!
She treasured friends at each of her places of work. Rush Products, Camera Art, NASA Ames Research Center, in California and lastly a calling where she shined the most, Good Shepherd Lutheran Home.
Above all, Mary Anne was most proud of her family. She was always there with her trusty camera to take pictures of any, and all, events in their lives. A passion (some say obsession) Mary Anne had later in life was Facebook. It's probably safe to say Facebook will never be the same again. She was especially proud of all her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. As one of the grand kids said, "You will never meet a lady who loved her kids, grand kids, and great grand kids more than this one. She was as spunky as they come. To say we are going to miss her is an understatement." She loved them all to the moon and back!
Mary Anne is survived by her 3 children, Randy (Kim) Benson, Michael (Karen) Benson, Mary Kaye (Vern) Bunke, all of Rushford. Grandchildren; Adam Benson, Winona, Bre (Jared) Bunke Scheer, West Concord, Britt Bunke, Hood River, Oregon, Lacey (Chris) Drinkall, Rushford, Tyler (Brittany) Benson, Rushford, Kelsey (Adam) Kopperud, McKinney, Texas, Ashley (Nate) Willaert, Woodbury, Minnesota, and Bekka Bunke, Loveland, Colorado. Great grand kids; Kaia, Kellen, Kennedy, Kamryn Drinkall, Vera and Eleanor Bunke Scheer, Bentley and Huxley Benson and Charlotte Anne Kopperud, [she was so excited for her next grandchild to join her family in November], also her best friend and sister, Joan Halbach, Red Wing, brother, Ralph (Mary) Christensen, Florida, mother-in-law Ellen (Maland) Overland, sister-in-law Pam (Jerry) Klema, Roseau, brother-in law David Overland, Seattle, sister-in-law Lori (Perry) Benson, Houston. Also dear to her is Danny (Kathy) Neesen, Eric (Erin) Christensen, Jenna (Anthony) Squires, and John, Ethan, Hannah, Jonah and Grace Sellers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Phil, father-in-law, Clair Overland, brother-in-law, Jerry (874 Forever) Bunke and her beloved niece, Anne (John) Sellers.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at Rushford Lutheran Church, with a lunch following.
In Remembrance of our Mom, who loved ALL Service men and women, memorials can be sent to the Rushford Veterans Memorial Park, C/O Murphy-Johnson Post 94, Rushford.
All you Need is LOVE ..... and Lake Superior! Love you mom!
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service - Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"To the family of Mary Anne....Randy,Michael, Mary Kay, and Joan.....My deepest sympathy to you all...I have a lot of fond memories of your mom and sister when we lived in Peterson....That was quite a while ago....I did so want to come to the funeral however I am not feeling up to par right now....I will be thinking of you tomorrow and may God wrap his arms around you all and comfort you in this sad time....Rest in Peace my friend Mary Anne until we meet again....Again my deepest sympathies to you all....From Margaret Beech"
"My prayers go out to your family at the loss of Mary Anne. She was a lovely person who obviously loved her family. I especially know of the kindness that she gave toward her mother-in-law, Ellen Overland, my sister. Her love and care will be missed. Sharon Banitt"
"So sorry to hear about MaryAnn, our prayers are with Randy and all of the family. Betty Skime"
"Heartfelt condolences to all her beloved family. I will always remember her as a very friendly, caring woman. Margie Schueler"