Mary Louise Pickett von Zedtwitz

Mary Louise Pickett von Zedtwitz, 95 of Kerrville, Texas passed away on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. She was born Jan. 7, 1920 in Anna, Illinois to Mary Frances and Claude Pickett. She was the middle of 3 children having an older and younger brother both of whom preceded her in death.

She grew up in Anna and when approximately 12 years old, moved with her family to Flint, Michigan where her father worked in an auto factory to support the family. She worked during her years while in school as a cashier at the local movie house and theater graduating at 18 from Flint Central High School.

After high school she worked as an office receptionist and secretary dreaming about flying as a stewardess and traveling the country. At that time to be a stewardess, the requirement was first to be 20 years of age and second a nurse as most people got ill in the turbulence of early aviation low level flying. Rules were subsequently changed dropping the nurse qualification and when Mary Louise turned 20 she applied and was hired to fly as a stewardess for Pennsylvania Central Airlines, a forerunner to United Airlines.

Several years later she applied for and was hired by Chicago and Southern Airlines, which later merged with Delta Airlines. It was there that she met and subsequently married in New Orleans 1945, to John von Zedtwitz a pilot for Chicago and Southern Airlines. She was blessed with 2 children and raised them there.

In  2000 after 57 years in New Orleans and after her husband's death she relocated to Gainesville, Florida to the Village to enjoy a quiet peaceful life making new friends and acquaintances. After 11 years in Florida it was time to relocate and she moved to Kerrville, Texas to be closer to and receive care from her daughter Roxanne. She lived at Harper House and then at the Villagio until her passing. She was a lifelong member of the Gentilly Presbyterian Church in New Orleans and a respected member of the early Delta Airlines family.

She was spirited as ever and never lost the opportunity to travel. Early on while working as a stewardess she met and had a chance to speak with top government officials, presidents, CEO's of large corporations, movie and film stars, and high ranking officers of the military. One that she remembers well was Eddie Rickenbacker the world famous aviation pioneer and another was Medal of Honor winner Sergeant Jake Lindsey and his wife Beverly during the war. "I shall never forget my interesting life as a stewardess, meeting and greeting so many celebrities and prominent people during those years." Mary Louise loved to visit family, friends and church members.

She loved to play cards, board games, or go bowling and dancing. Golf was a special event in her early married life. She traveled all over the world with her husband and enjoyed life immensely.  The USA, Europe, Africa and Asia were places that she extensively visited. Her favorite destination though was Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

She is survived by her daughter Roxanne von Zedtwitz Case (Darrel) of Kerrville, Texas and her son Captain John von Zedtwitz (Peggy) of Las Vegas, Nevada; three grandchildren, Hans von Zedtwitz, Christina von Zedtwitz, Leigh (Ryan) and Elizabeth von Zedtwitz Smith (Mathew); two great grandchildren Collin Hans Smith and Logan Pierce Leigh. She is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, John von Zedtwitz on October 13, 1996.

She was a unique individual, friend, sister, daughter, wife, mother, mother in law, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be truly missed by all and returns to Anna to be placed next to her mother, father, and husband in the Anna cemetery.

Graveside funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 in the Anna City Cemetery with Rev. Jonathan Whitley officiating. Interment was in the Anna City Cemetery. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

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Mary Louise Pickett von Zedtwitz