Mary Burnett

Mary Lou (Bergman) Burnett, 86, of Pryor, departed this life on March 23, 2020, in Pryor at her home. She and twin sister, Martha “Mickey,” were born at home in the Welch community area northeast of Pryor, on August 21, 1933, the daughter of Charles Jackson and Melverda (Sellick) Bergman. Mary and Mickey, the second set of twins in a family of 6 siblings, grew up in the Welch area. As a child, Mary loved to be outside, often helping with the family farm chores which would serve her well later in life. Mary attended grade school at Welch, and later at Pryor High School. Mary’s first job outside of the family farm was working in sales for Southwestern Bell. When the family moved briefly to Arizona in 1951, Mary followed and did not return to Oklahoma until age 61, when she and husband Jim decided to retire back to her Oklahoma roots. In Arizona, Mary enjoyed living in Phoenix and Prescott and later moved to Palm Springs, California where she met and married James “Jim” Burnett and worked at Desert Palms Hospital in the dietary department. While living in California, Mary enjoyed golf and bridge and working with her friends in their furniture resale business. After returning to Pryor, Mary joined the Wednesday bridge group that played at the C.A.R.D. Nutritional Center. She truly missed not being able to continue playing with the group the last year after her illness, but several strong friends continued, which she treasured most dearly. Mary, of the Baptist faith, loved to garden, grow beautiful flowers, and keep her yard and house immaculate. She was a fabulous cook, and her family favorites were her special Thanksgiving pumpkin and pecan pies, Christmas peanut brittle, and Easter deviled eggs are a legacy that will be missed. Mary proudly showed pictures of and bragged on her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary leaves many memories for her family to cherish. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

A private family service will be held with a Celebration of Life service to follow in the near future.

Mary is survived by her daughter; Mary “Jane” Bais and husband Elias, son; George Robert and wife Deborah Allan, all of Chino Valley, Arizona, grandchildren; Ashley Bais and fiancé John Fuller of Anchorage, Alaska, Mark Bais of Phoenix, Arizona, Stephen Bais and wife Jelena of Phoenix, Arizona, Jennifer Ryan and husband Mark of Chino Valley, Arizona, Christopher Clements of Chino Valley, Arizona, 3 great granddaughters; Saiya, Makayla, and Lana Rose Bais, and 1 great grandson; Alexander Ryan all of Arizona, sister; Charlene (Bergman) Arric and husband Joe of Pryor, Oklahoma, and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 1998, parents, Charlie and Verda, brothers, Henry and Norman, sisters, Norma McNair and twin Martha Sue “Mickey” Bergman Copeland.