Mary Ellen Jason beloved mother, wife, sister, grandma, and aunt passed away on June 25, 2015 after a brief illness, at the age of 89. Mary was born on September 20, 1925 in Charleston, West Virginia daughter of Jess and Dorothy Poffenbarger. She had one sister, Betty Crutcher.

After high school, Mary attended Ohio State University where she earned a degree in pharmacy, graduating first in her class as well as being one of the only women in the profession. Mary was a pioneer in her field and loved working alongside her husband, Bill. They soon opened Jason's pharmacy, then several more. While at the height of her profession, she had the honor of being selected "Pharmacist of the Year" out of 200 pharmacists nationally.

Bill and Mary settled down in Dearborn, Michigan and had three children Katherine, Roderic, Carol and their lively Beagle, Snoopy. With her husband and friends, Mary traveled to the far corners of the world and enjoyed a life rich in friends and family. She enjoyed many hobbies: golf, bridge, weaving, metal sculpting, solving puzzles, reading, and curling up to an old movie.

After retiring, they moved to Traverse City, where they became active grandparents in Robert and Jesse's lives. Family was especially important to Mary and she looked forward to get-togethers during the holidays and special occasions, where she was known for her Southern cooking, including corn pudding and delicious pumpkin pies. She loved her cats and spoiled them rotten, especially Tippy and Toby.

Mary will always be remembered for her quick and witty mind, kindness to others and her competitive force in games of all sorts. Throughout her life she always retained her southern charm and graciousness. She was an eternal optimist with a knack for seeing the bright side of every situation. For the past three, years Mary lived at Cedar Creek senior apartments where she made many friends and continued playing bridge, poker and an occasional game of pool.

Mary is now reunited with her beloved husband in heaven who probably said, "Mary, what took you so long?"

She is survived by Katherine (Doug) Butler, Roderic (Connie) Jason, Carol (David) Saxton and Robert and Jesse Jason.

A memorial service honoring Mary will take place on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, with visiting one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Traverse City Beauty College scholarship fund, 920 Hastings St. Traverse City, MI, 49686.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.