Mary Garrison, age 85, of St. John, ND passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, ND.

Mary Kathleen Donna Bryant was born at the Bryant Farm on August 7, 1934 in St. John, ND to C.M. "Bill" Bryant III and Jessie (Phelps) Bryant. She was raised in St. John and completed her education there as well, graduating from St. John High School in 1952. She furthered her education at Minot State University obtaining her teaching certificate. She was united in marriage to Harold "Shep" Garrison on August 6, 1954 in St. John. After their marriage they lived in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho for a short time before moving back to St. John. Together they had seven children, Guy, William, Merrilee, Patsy, Peggy, Jeff, and Kristi. Mary taught school at Lake Upsilon country school and in Mylo, ND. She was a member of the Homemaker's Group and a life-long member of the St. John Presbyterian Church. Mary enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and the Price is Right, bowling, playing cards, watching Westerns, and going to the casino. She enjoyed sporting events at the St. John School and was the Woodchucks #1 fan. She was a cheerleader for the 1949 State Boy's Basketball Team that included her brothers, Charles and Duke. She was so proud and happy to attend the 2018 State Boy's Basketball Tournament in Bismarck, cheering on the Woodchucks for close to 70 years! Mary loved spending time with her family members, especially her grandchildren and all kids. She was known as Grandma Mary to many in her small community. She loved the fall with all the beautifull colors, harvest, and being outside attending football games. Mary will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her family members and many friends throughout the community.

Mary is survived by her husband, Harold "Shep" Garrison of St. John; her children, Guy (Avis) Garrison of St. John, Merrilee (Dave) Kempthorne of Boissevain, Manitoba, Patsy (David) Gust of Harwood, Peggy (Karl) Larson of West Fargo, Jeff (Lola) Garrison of St. John, and Kristi Garrison of St. John; 19 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; brother, Monte "Skip" Bryant; sister, Patsy McCloud; and sisters-in-law, Donna Bryant, Evie Bryant, and Geraldine Tonsfeldt.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, C.M. "Bill" Bryant III and Jessie Bryant, infant son, William Garrison, brothers, C.M. Bryant IV, Donald "Duke" Bryant, and Robert "Bob" Bryant, and sisters-in-law, Joan Bryant and Mary Bryant.

Eulogy will be given by Cody Garrison. Obituary read by Jessie Regner. Soloist is Jerri Lynn Langan.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the St. John Community Center "Old Gym", St. John, ND with Pastor Rick Craig officiating. Burial will be in the St. John City Cemetery, St. John, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.