Mary B. Trueblood

Obituary of Mary E. B. Trueblood

Mary Bernadette (Ertter) Trueblood, died peacefully on December 17, 2016 at the age of 94 in Anchorage, Alaska. She was born on March 26, 1922 to Lawrence (Ross) and Margaret (Light) Ertter in Boise, ID, the eldest of their three children. She and her brothers, Larry and David grew up in Boise. After graduating from high school, she attended Boise Jr. College, where she majored in Commercial Art. She married Burtt (Bud) Trueblood on December 26, 1941. Together with her in-laws, they farmed the Trueblood homestead near Wilder, ID. Over the next six years, three sons were born: Tim, Ted and Tom. During life on the farm, Mary perfected her world-class cooking skills and provided awesome meals for all comers. Seeking new opportunities, Bud, Mary and the children drove the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks, AK in March of 1952. Fishing trips to Shaw Creek (77 miles south of Fairbanks) led to their leasing and operating Shaw Creek Lodge for the next several years. Bud continued to work construction and Mary ran the lodge and bar. She worked from 5:00AM to 11:00 PM most days. She did all the cooking for the lodge (including home-made pies which always sold out quickly), rented rooms and dealt with the customers. She did all her cooking on a Majestic wood range, and her sons provided kindling and wood for cooking. The boys also pumped gas and helped Mary with the lodge. In late December 1954 (and in exhaustion), the family left Shaw Creek and moved to Anchorage, Alaska in search of new opportunities. Mary’s expertise in commercial art lead to a career first with Sears, Roebuck & Co. and later with Northern Commercial Company. She was responsible for window displays and advertising at both businesses. Anchorage provided a good life for Mary. She enjoyed her work and made many life-long friends. They lived a few blocks from downtown and their door was always open. They hosted many cribbage parties, dinners and get-togethers. They became part of the community. As much as they loved life in Alaska, Burtt and Mary returned to Idaho in 1963 to restore the family homestead. They operated the homestead farm until Burtt’s death in 1987. With her usual determination, Mary continued on for several years but later sold out and moved to Caldwell. In declining health, she moved to Anchorage in 2010, to be near her sons. She was predeceased by her husband Burtt, son Tom and both her brothers. Her sons Tim and Ted survive her. A Graveside Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM. at the Fargo Cemetery, 18934 Fargo Rd, Wilder, Idaho. Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Condolences may be given at www.Flahifffuneralchapel.com. Service Information
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary B. Trueblood, please visit Tribute Store
A Memorial Tree was planted for Mary
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Flahiff Funeral Chapels & Crematory
Share Your Memory of
Mary