We Remember Grandma Mary

Mary Alice Cox, a longtime resident of Ventura, died Sunday, Dec. 20 surrounded by her loving family. She was 84.

Mary was born on Dec. 18, 1925 in Prescott, Ariz. to Charles and Lizzie Reagan - the only daughter in a family of three boys. During the Depression, Mary and her family moved to California, to the city of Seiad and later to Happy Camp. After the death of her mother, Mary relocated to Long Beach where she met her husband-to-be, William (Bill) Gerald Cox. Mary and Bill married on Christmas Day, 1943 and lived in Ventura County for over 60 years.

An avid traveler, Mary's many trips included China, Germany, Italy, Panama, Russia, Scandinavia and the United States coast-to-coast. Mary loved going to movies and plays with friends and family. Mary was eternally positive, quick-witted, had an infectious laugh and had a wonderful smile that could light up any room she walked into. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Bill, and her four children, Julie and George Compton of Camarillo, Arthur Cox of Oregon, Beverly Helland of Clovis and Glenn Cox of Santa Maria; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a private funeral with a celebration of life ceremony for friends and the community at a date and location to be later announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be sent to either Ventura Friends of the Library or the Museum of Ventura County - two organizations Mary was active in and cared deeply for.

The family would also like to extend their appreciation - and Mary's - for all of the cards, letters, prayers, flowers and encouragement they have received over the last month

Thank you all for your support as we mourn the untimely passing of the most amazing woman anyone had the honor of meeting and having in their lives.