Mary Louise Hadlock

Mary Louise Demsher Hadlock, age 79, returned to her heavenly home on April 22, 2026. Mary was born October 31,1946 in Oregon City, OR to Joe Demsher Jr. and Ruth Isabelle Jensen. Mary was the second child in the family after Gloria, followed by Jon, Joyce, Dan and Beccy. They grew up together on a 55 acre farm in Canby, Oregon, taking care of animals, planting gardens, swimming in the pool with frogs, jumping off the hayloft in the barn, and waiting for the school bus to come over the hill.

Mary’s mother taught her to sew at age 12 and she quickly became a very accomplished seamstress. Sewing became a lifelong passion. She sewed hundreds of dresses, costumes, bedspreads, quilts, pajamas and even her own clothes. Mary learned to play the piano at a young age. With this talent, she taught piano lessons, served several times as the ward organist or the primary pianist in her church congregation. She loved serving in the Primary.

Mary graduated from Canby High School in 1964. She valued education and pursued a degree in Elementary Education at BYU-Provo. Mary loved college life and her roommates even more. Mary’s adventurous spirit paved the way for her to join the very first BYU Jerusalem Study Abroad Program. Mary started teaching 2nd grade at Shelly Elementary in American Fork, UT in 1968. After raising her five daughters, she returned to the classroom. She worked for over 20 years as a classroom Title-1 aide, where some of her coworkers became lifelong friends.

It was at BYU that she met John Hadlock in a Family Home Evening group. A few months later, Mary told John she felt they should get married. On June 10, 1969, they were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together, Mary and John raised five daughters. With five daughters, Mary developed a talent for doing hair. Mary had a deep emotional connection and love for animals. While raising their daughters, a cat and dog joined their family. Mary enjoyed traveling with her family. One of her favorite family trips was a road trip across the United States to visit NYC. Some of her other favorite places to visit were Nauvoo, the condo in Park City and St. George to see performances at Tuacahn Theater. Mary also looked forward to her annual family reunions.

Throughout her journey of 79 years, she touched many lives with her mild, beautiful disposition. It just felt good to be around her. She loved spending time with her family and cherished get-togethers for any occasion, especially more recently with “Mary’s Gaggle Of Girls.” She adored her 14 grandchildren and cheered them on in all their accomplishments. Some of her hobbies were scrapbooking, sewing, gardening, looking at recipe books, baking, and decorating for each holiday. Mary loved going to Broadway musicals and listening to music, especially Christmas!

Mary and John enjoyed serving as ordinance workers in the Jordan River LDS Temple. Mary gained a love of family history work and spent years researching her Danish ancestors with her mom. She carried on this work following her mother’s passing, until her own. Mary spoke of the urgency she felt to complete the temple work of these spirits who kept her up at night.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother Jon.

Mary is survived by her husband John and daughters Heather (Rob) Cummings, Amber (Richard) Arndt, Alison (Carl) Wilkins, Bethany (Curtis) Godfrey, Trista (Benson) Smith; 14 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter coming in June, and many other family members and friends whom she loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 4, 2026, 11:00 am at the Bennion Ward Building located at 5980 South 1300 West Taylorville, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00am - 10:30am at the same location. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South Sandy, Utah.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Oncology Team at the Loveland Clinic of LDS Hospital for the care Mary received over the last three and half years. A special thanks to Intermountain Hospice who so lovingly managed her final days.