Mary Ann Dillon

Surrounded by family, Mary Ann Dillon, 78, a long-time resident of Yreka passed away Saturday, June 16, 2011, at her home after a lengthy illness. A non-denominational service will be held on Saturday, July 23rd, 10:00 AM, at the Church of Latter Day Saints, 1001 West Miner (corner of W. Miner and Dewitt), Yreka, CA 96097. Mary Ann was born June 10, 1933 in Grants Pass, OR to Dana "Mac" and Ida (Wertz) McCargar. She attended schools in Grants Pass, OR, Grenada, CA and graduated from Yreka High School, Class of 1951. She attended the University of California at Berkeley, where she earned her bachelor's degree and teaching credential. While at Cal she was active in her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and in the Torch and Shield Society. It was at Cal that she met her future husband, James L. Dillon, whom she married August 12, 1956. After their marriage, Jim and Mary Ann made their first home in San Jose, CA where Mary Ann began her teaching career. She and Jim returned to Yreka to enter into business with Bud and Nancy Meiners (The Mount Shasta Milling Company) and also to start raising their family. Daughter Dana was born in 1957 and her second daughter Laurie was born in 1961. After the birth of their third child, Jim Jr. in 1963, the Dillons moved to Klamath Falls, OR for a short period before returning home to Yreka in 1970. Mary Ann taught seventh grade for one year at Jackson St. Elementary and then moved on to Yreka High School. She taught English and history for twenty one years, and is fondly remembered by many former YHS students. 1066! Mary Ann was active in the Yreka and YHS communities including Yreka Trail Riders; Cal Scholarships Siskiyou District; YHS Cheerleader advisor; and the YHS Centennial Celebration Committee, among various other community activities. She was supportive of her children's athletic interests in the Yreka Swim Team, youth baseball and football, and YHS High School athletics. Mary Ann retired in 1993 and spent the majority of her retirement years enjoying her three great loves: horses, school, and family. Mary Ann rode her horse as often as she could. She also served on the Cal Alumni Board for several years. She spent many happy days with family; traveling with Jim, attending Cal Football games, and visiting with her children and their families. Survivors include daughters Dana Dillon of Weed, CA and Laurie Walker of Antelope, CA; son and daughter-in-law Jim and Debbie Dillon of Klamath Falls, OR; grandsons Dillon Walker of Antelope, CA, Cole and Aidan Dillon of Klamath Falls, OR; and granddaughter Amelia Dillon of Klamath Falls, OR. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband James L. Dillon, in 2000. Memorial donations may be made to California Alumni Association Scholarship Program, Siskiyou District, Cal Alumni Assn., 1 Alumni House, Berkeley, CA 94720-7520; Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Way, Yreka, CA 96097; USI Scholarships, P. O. Box 1328, Yreka, CA 96097, or one of your own choosing. GO BEARS!

Mary Ann Dillon

June 10, 1933 - July 16, 2011