Mary Merrill Durst [Frostburg]
FROSTBURG – Mary Merrill Durst, 93, formerly of 73 Durst Lane, Frostburg, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2009 at the WMHS Frostburg Nursing and Rehab Center.
Born Feb. 26, 1915 in Avilton, she was the daughter of the late Jesse C. Merrill and Minnie (Pope) Merrill. She was predeceased by her husband, Glenn Gilbert Durst; one daughter, Shirley Anne Lavin; two brothers, Robert Merrill and William Merrill; and two sons-in-law, Frances J. Lavin and Ronald L. Kyle.
Mrs. Durst was a member of the Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren for 83 years. She was very proud of the fact that she had been a member since 1926. She served as church clerk and treasurer for 24 years, was a Sunday School teacher for 70 years and was Sunday School pianist and assistant church organist. She was the president of CBWF (Church of the Brethren Women’s Fellowship), served on the Finance Board, Ministerial Board, was a deaconess, was involved in the Youth counsel—CBYF.
Mrs. Durst was the Chief Judge of Elections at District 9 for 30 years and canvassed the area for cancer funds. Mr. and Mrs. Durst received the Farming for Better Living Award in 1964 for Garrett County. She was a member of the Northern Garrett Republican Club and the Eastern Garrett County Firemen Women’s Auxiliary.
Mary is survived by one son, Glenn Allen Durst and wife Linda of Frostburg; two daughters, Carol L. Kyle of WMHS Frostburg Nursing and Rehab Center and Valeria K. Arch and husband Dr. Jack E. Arch of Cumberland; and one sister, June Shull of Salisbury, Pa. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received at the Hafer Frost Mansion, 58 Frost Ave., Frostburg, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Funeral services will be conducted in the Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, Chestnut Ridge Road, Grantsville, Friday at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Richard Greene officiating. Friends are invited to join the family for lunch, which will be served at noon at the Social Room of the church before the services.
Interment will follow in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens, LaVale.
Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Lavin, Randy Kyle, Toby Durst, Bob Ansel, John Morrissey, Jeff Vaughn and Gary Wilhelm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, 3992 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Grantsville, MD 21536 or donate a book to your favorite library in her memory.
Condolences may be sent to the family thru www.haferfuneralservice.com.
Source: Mary Merrill Durst, Cumberland Times-News, Cumberland, Maryland, 13 January 2009, observed online 16 February 2009 at <http://www.times-news.com/archivesearch/local_story_013233151.html>.