Mary Barton Godden was born May 11, 1931, the fifth child of Clifton and Eloise (Burton) Barton, in Ogden, Utah, in a hospital! Her brothers and sisters were much older, but the family was very close.An avid reader from an early age, she was double-promoted in the first grade, setting a lifelong pattern of achievement. Questioning and challenging mores and authority, she had a rich childhood--full of grandmothers in residence, sisters with infants coming home during the war, family drama, and, always, comedy.Mary met the amazing person who would become her life partner, William R. Godden, in typing class at Ogden High School when they were sophomores. They were married, after a tempestuous (at times, long-distance) courtship, September 12, 1951. They made their home in Ft. Collins, Colorado, while Bill attended veterinary college. After his graduation, their path led to the Air Force.Mary had many careers. The professional clerical worker--bachelorette. The co-breadwinner as secretary and banking associate. An outspoken partner in her spouse's college accomplishments. Mother and teacher to four children--always present, always demanding the best effort, always interested. The perpetual student--magically self-educated and well-read--she thirsted for knowledge and found it, forging fruitful relationships with friends, mentors, and fellow-travelers. The outspoken and dedicated partner in Colonel Godden's twenty-three year military career. It takes a steely lady to support a successful officer during the Cold War, while always retaining her identity, integrity, and independence. A cross-country traveler, under any and all conditions imaginable. Her crowning glory: her administrative skills, organizational genius, her legal expertise and practical application thereof. She could draft a brief, could research and correct the brief; the product delivered to the courthouse to the lawyer's credit. She could out-delegate any general; she had the most savvy real estate mind I have ever known. Mary had an unerring eye for LAND, always involving a PROJECT. She was an historian/ conservator/ restoration expert. Interested and active in politics from the outset, she was vocal, thoughtful, and engaged. She was a Democrat in Texas, a career all of its own. Mary was a cheering section all by herself for her adopted home, the great state she loved. Mary was an adventurer. She was a designer, whose designs were realized successfully, no mean feat. She was a musician, a pianist with a wonderful voice. She was a true spiritual seeker, all her life, and she found God.Mary Barton Godden passed away April 19, 2007, peacefully, in the arms of her beloved.Mary is survived by her husband and soul-mate, William R. Godden, her sister, Kathryn Manning, her children, Susan (and Jeffrey) Trinin, Corey W. Godden, Laura Ann Roe, Amy (and Eric) Rodriguez, twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Eloise Barton, her sister, Maureen Thomas, and her brothers, Shelton and Keith Barton.Mrs. Godden published two works: Memories of a Family, 1993 (a Barton family memoir) and Amenthal, House of History, Self Guided Tour (with Bill).Mary pestered her mother about her name, until Eloise finally declared, "Your. . . name. . . is. . . MarySusannahPeoraCabaithaSamanthaTaluthaBarton!" She memorized the cadence. It is her poem name. Mary Godden was proud to make her home in Blanco, Texas, with the many dear friends with whom she shared her life. Her warm, friendly, and outgoing presence will be missed by family and friends.A memorial service will be held at Blanco Methodist Church at 11:00 AM, on April 26, 2007.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Blanco United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.