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Chapter Four: The Story of Ralph and Mary CareyIt was impossible for Mary to live on the farm alone, so she sold the place, having only a few dollars left after paying the mortgage and other bills.She moved into an apartment in Wheatland and took a job of staying nights with an elderly, ill lady. Life was so different, the adjustment was hard, and she was terribly lonely. Later, however, she found a five-room house near the shopping area, a home she came to love and where she lived for over twenty years.
Her main interest was her children and grandchildren, and it seemed she was happiest when they were visiting her. Perhaps it was because she was raised without her mother that Mary was not one to show affection openly. But her eagerness to have her family near, and her many years of hard work and sacrifice showed that her love and affection were deep and undeniable.
Mary was heard to say often, "I hope I never live to see one of my children die. I don't think I could bear it." However, this was not to be, for Helen became ill and after several years of battling breast cancer passed away in 1977. Helen's long illness and death were very difficult for Mary, and the family could see her health was failing. She had strokes quite often, some so serious as to require hospitalization.
She never fully recovered form the last surgery. She was allowed to come home and with the help of her family stayed a week before returning to the hospital. During her illness she was always hopeful that she would recover. She had great faith in her doctor and trusted him completely. One day, one of her last days-she told her daughter, "It seems like I can almost reach out and be where your Dad and Helen are Then I think of the rest of you, and I know I shouldn't go yet." Mary passed away in Platte County Hospital in Wheatland on March 4, 1978, at the age of eighty-six. She was buried beside Ralph in the Wheatland Cemetery. Her grandsons were her pall-bearers, and all her children were home for the funeral. Another chapter was ended. [funeral program: cover-inside]
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