Mary Elsbeth Courtright

Mary Elsbeth Courtright, 93, of Moses Lake, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 22, 2026.

Mary was the eldest child of Mark and Dorothy White and was born in Yakima, Washington, in January of 1933. She grew up on a diversified farm in the Cowiche Valley, where she learned to drive a team of horses, ride horseback, and operate a tractor. She much preferred being outdoors helping her father to being inside the house.

Mary graduated from Highland High School in 1951, where she was active in drama and tennis and became the school’s first female ASB president. She graduated as the salutatorian of her class.

Her love of horses led her to become a member of the Appleland Cowgirls and to serve as an Ellensburg Rodeo Princess. She also showed horses at local horse shows, where she met the love of her life, John Calvin Courtright, known to all as “Cal.”

Mary attended Washington State University, where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. The friendships she formed as a Theta became lifelong treasures that she cherished throughout her life.

Mary married Cal in 1952. They lived in Toppenish, Washington, before moving to Moses Lake in 1956. Their family grew with the addition of their children: Caren, Cathy, Timothy, Chris and John.

Mary lived a full and active life, pursuing many hobbies and interests. She was deeply involved in her Presbyterian church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, women’s ministry leader, and elder. She was also an active member of P.E.O. and served on the boards of United Way and Crossroads Resource Center. In addition, she was a dedicated 4-H leader.

Her hobbies included woodworking, candle making, photography, card making, hiking, and camping. She especially enjoyed leading wildflower tours for her many friends.

Mary loved to travel, particularly with her sister-in-law, Janet. Together, they visited 30 foreign countries and 40 states. She also had a lifelong passion for snow skiing, enjoying the sport for 65 years. One of her greatest joys was sharing the slopes with four generations of family.

Her greatest pleasure, however, came from her family and friends. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, hosting Waffle Sundays, and gathering loved ones for family birthday dinners. She also got great pleasure from her coffee friends, skiing friends and Friday night dinner group and treasured those friendships.

In 1980, Mary purchased The Fisherman Bookstore, later partnering with her daughter Caren in operating the business. In 2019, she launched Mary’s Creations, where she transformed silverware and other materials into jewelry and unique handcrafted items. She delighted in sharing her creativity with friends and family, especially when they joined her in her studio to create something together. In 2025 she added author to her list of accomplishments when she self-published “A Story of God’s Love and Grace,” about her life.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cal; her son, Timothy; her daughter, Chris; and her brother, John White.

She is survived by her daughters, Caren Courtright and Cathy Courtright; her son, John Courtright and his wife, Susie; her sister-in-law, Janet White; her brother, Jim White, and his wife, Marilyn; 14 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

Mary had a deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and a heartfelt desire that all who knew her would come to know Him as well.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crossroads Resource Center.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel.