Mary Gifford

Mary Earline Redden Gifford, age 86 of Belton, passed from this life Saturday, December 31, 2022, at home. Graveside services will be held at 11 am Monday, January 9, 2023, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Mary was born on October 26, 1936, to Samuel and Nettie Redden in Salado, Texas. She attended Salado High School and worked for the Temple Daily Telegram and K-TEM Radio Station. Mary married Clayton M. Gifford and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Texas Order of the Eastern Star. She volunteered at Miller Heights Elementary School in Belton and was a part of the “Golden Girls” as they were lovingly called by students and staff. She enjoyed doing needlepoint on canvas.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Curtis Redden, and Adolphus Redden; and sisters, Dean Vinson, and Louise Pucket.

She is remembered by her sons, Mark Gifford, and David Gifford; daughters, Judy Gifford and husband, Jeff Manning, and Ruby Gifford and ex-husband, Tom Jones; brother, Sam Redden; 5 grandchildren, Charissa Jones, Cassandra Dilaveri and husband, Tani, Jennifer Gifford, Karen Spence, and Joey Spence; and 2 great grandchildren, Hana Dilaveri, and Adrianna Dilaveri.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kindred Hospice for leading and assisting Ruby with the end of life process.

Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Belton is in charge of arrangements.