Mary Del Perkins

Mary Del Perkins, a woman of unwavering faith, boundless love, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, in Corvallis, Oregon. She was 80 years old. 

Born on January 19, 1945, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Mary Estella North and Ernest Delbert Posey, Mary grew up in the scenic town of Ruidoso, where the beauty of the mountains mirrored the calm and kindness she carried throughout her life. She graduated from Ruidoso High School in 1963 and went on to further her education at Ruidoso Community College and Hartnell Community College, always pursuing knowledge with grace and curiosity. 

Mary's life was rich with experience and full of purpose. Over the years, she embraced a variety of roles—from waitress and secretary to homemaker, property manager, radio station operator, and even tech support for Microsoft Windows. No matter the job, Mary gave her all, bringing care and dedication to everything she did. But her true calling was found in her home and family, where her love and generosity were endless. 

Mary’s heart was always open. She was known for her delicious cooking, her lovingly made quilts, her beautiful sewing, and her collection of antique glass bottles that reflected her appreciation for beauty in everyday life. Her garden was a place of joy and peace, just like her home—a gathering place for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

On September 9, 2005, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, Mary married her love, David George Perkins III. Their union was one of deep affection and companionship, a bond rooted in love and shared faith. 

Throughout her life, Mary lived in California, Idaho, Utah, Washington, and, most recently, Oregon. With every move, she built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and a welcoming spirit. 

Mary’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. It guided her through life’s joys and sorrows and was the light she leaned on in every season. In that faith, she now finds eternal rest and peace. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Alice Jean Heinrich; her brother, Jay T. Posey; her beloved daughter, Anita Lynn Armstrong; and her dear step-son and beloved veteran, Michael Warren Perkins. 

Mary is survived by her devoted husband David; her children: John (Melissa) Amos Perkins, Rachel (Daniel) Tabalba, Tommie (Lisa) Daron Armstrong, Samuel (Velyn Sia) Chisum Scarborough, Jonathon Stanley Scarborough, Mary (Shalom Keller) Leah Scarborough, Wyman (Karen) Beck Scarborough, and Mark (Joy) Allen Scarborough; grandchildren: Daron Lee Daniel Armstrong, Evan Thomas Armstrong, Alexandra Rose Armstrong, Morgan Linn Armstrong, Rachel Nicole Armstrong, Joshua Brigham Morris, Natasha Robyn Morris, Zachary Alexander Parra, Zahria Brynn Parra, Athena Jay Scarborough, Rain Meriadoc Scarborough, Ellie Wren Scarborough, Brixton Hayes Scarborough, Seth Corbin Skougaard, Dagan Kalel Black, Torin Lee Loretto, Anina Victoria Perkins, Quin Wyatt Perkins, Maddox Tabalba, Beck Zane Scarborough, and Kalleigh Calypso Scarborough; great-grandchildren— Vida Amore Armstrong, Atreus Cesar Leon Canas, Brogan Pacheco, Rosito Videl Lopez, and Cyrus Von Black—as well as her great-great-granddaughter, Fia Marie Pacheco; sisters: Alta Sue Collums, Janette Woodruff, Eileen Snodgrass, and Sandra Stierwalt. 

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Weddle Funeral Service 1777 N. Third Ave. Stayton, Oregon 97383. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions in her honor to be made to the Navajo Water Project at www.navajowaterproject.org, a cause close to Mary’s heart and reflective of her generous spirit.