Mary Ilene Bezona

Mary Ilene Bezona died October 23, 2011, from complications suffered from pneumonia. She was 79. Mary was born in Skarda, N.M., on Jan. 8, 1932, the fourth child of five born to John Pinkney and Hattie V. 'Dot' Pearson. She had grown up in several different locales as a child when her family eventually settled in Holly, Colo., where she graduated the eighth grade and met her future husband. On Dec. 17, 1948, she married Paul Gerald Bezona in Raton, N.M. The couple resided in Granada, Colo., where two daughters, Tecla and Teala, were born. They then moved to Pinon, Colo., where she began her prowess at homemaking and child rearing. She cooked and sewed and helped with farm animals. It was at this time she became a rodeo fan after having to help haul calf roping horses to local competitions. The couple then laid roots in Pueblo on Highway 78 where two more daughters, Talca and Tonya, were born and where they lived for 22 years. During this time, the family formed a band, Paul and the Three T's, the band played area dances and occasions in the 1960s and 70s and she was the costume designer, seamstress and was the band's biggest fan and critic. Mary was eventually employed by Lil's Cake Cottage where she perfected the art of baking and decorating cakes. She also worked for several local families cleaning houses. She never retired from her homemaking responsibilities and was an active member of the family helping to raise grandchildren and great grandchildren, all the while teaching others to entertain, bake, sew, crochet and craft. She was an avid Denver Bronco fan and loved fishing. At the time of her death, she attended the women's bible study and services at Fellowship of the Rockies and was a previous member of the Minnequa University Club. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Paul G. Bezona; parents, John Pinkney and Hattie Violet Pearson; stepmother, Edith; brother, Pinkney; sisters, Mona Schwabe and Orpha Tweedy. She is survived by daughters, Tecla D. (Ernie) Chamblin, Teala D. Bezona (Tony), Talca D. (George) Woods and Tonya D. (Tony) Pinelle; grandchildren, Paulette (Shayne) O'Hotto, Clint (Kris) Chamblin, Georgette (David) Book, Brandie (Mark) Jackson, Shanalee McGhee, Tarah (Jim) Damgaard, Nicki (Mike) Banuelos and Chris (Robbin) Pinelle; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Delbert (Dee) Pearson and his family. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at the Montgomery & Steward Chapel with Pastor Danny Bryant officiating. In lieu of flowers and food, donations may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice or Pueblo City Park Carousel through through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com