For 29 1/2 years in the community of Detroit Lakes and surrounding towns, Mary Bouton was a friend, good helper and gave everyone a hug and later on, a pat on the behind. Mary died on Sunday, April 18^{th at the age of 51, at her home, surrounded by her seven dear friends and Linda.}

Mary Joan Bouton was born on August 18, 1958 to Chester and Verna Bouton and grew up living in different parts of Minnesota. Mary moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on October 13, 1981, with the loving help of Lakes Homes. Mary started working at the Becker County D.A.C. in December of 1980 and had her last day of employment on February 26, 2010. Mary retired with the help of her friend and Buddy Dale Cossette.

In the community, Mary, later referred to as the Queen B. as time went by, was very social. She enjoyed working with her flowers, playing basketball, camping, movies, art shows on the D.L. beach, in and outdoor concerts that had great piano music, and loved dancing. In addition, Mary greatly enjoyed restaurants and a strong cup of coffee. She was a member of the Women of Today, First Lutheran Church and Faithful Followers in Detroit Lakes.

Later on, Mary was greatly known for her many different wheel chairs. The latest was "the tilt-in-space" and these became her legs. Her dining room table was where Mary looked at her newspapers, catalogs, picture books, coloring, putting puzzles together and charting in her notebooks. She would wait for the staff at shift change and her greatest joy was when friends and family would sit down, have a cup of coffee, something sweet to eat and tell her a story. We would all get to enjoy her wonderful laugh.

A very special thank you to Lakes Homes and the Program Development staff Also to Ellie, Lindsey and the staff of Hospice of the Red River Valley for all there extra loving care last week. Mary enjoy walking through the flowers.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Brenda B. (Dale) Cossette, Moorhead, MN; Katie (Dennis) Leno, Fargo, ND; Norma (Darrell) McNamara of Overland, KS; brothers, Bryan Bouton Magalia, CA; Curtis Bouton, Minneapolis, MN; James (Katie) Bouton, Collierville, TN plus many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Verna and Chester and a brother, Micheal.

Memorials: Mary Bouton lived at 920 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes for the past 29 1/2 years and Brenda B. and Dale wishes that any memorials should be given to Lakes Homes Inc. (PO Box 1355, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501) in memory of Mary because of her love and enthusiasm in music and gardening.