Mary VanTrump

Mary was born July 14, 1945, in Detroit to the late Ralph J. Dobson and Isabel M. Connor. In 1963 she graduated from Redford High School in Redford Township, MI, after high school graduation she then attended Highland Park Community College before transferring to Central Michigan University. After her junior year she left Central Michigan University and married the love of her life Lonnie M. VanTrump on Aug. 19, 1966 after he was drafted by the U.S. Army.

During the early part of their marriage she was able to live with him in Okinawa. After Lonnie’s discharge, she moved with him to Kalamazoo where he finished his Master’s Degree, then in 1970 they moved to Alpena where they began their family. In 1985, she returned to Central Michigan University and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1987. After a brief period working for Alpena Public Schools, she began working at All Saints Catholic School as a 5th grade teacher and remained there until her retirement in 2006. She and Lonnie moved to Crossville, TN in 2008 to be closer to their grandchildren. Lonnie preceded her in death on Jan. 12, 2025 after 58 years of marriage.

Her many hobbies included traveling, counted cross-stitch, baking, and spending time with her family and dog Roman. She was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and Pepsi and had a large collection of memorabilia for both. She also volunteered at the Cumberland County Tennessee Archives where she assisted others pursuing their family history.

Mary is survived by her two children, Dan VanTrump, John VanTrump, her grandchildren, Katheryne (David) Sandoval, Jacob (Kaitlin) VanTrump, great-grandchildren Leena VanTrump, Jacob VanTrump Jr., Isabella VanTrump, Bryson Sandoval and Brooks Sandoval, Sister Patricia (James) Joyce, Brother John (Marie) Dobson, Sister in-law Lani VanTrump, Sister in-Law Sue Clark and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was also pre-deceased by her Brother-in-Law Kenneth VanTrump.

Per Mary’s wishes, she has been cremated, and inurnment will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery at a later date where she will be reunited with Lonnie.