Mary Benson McWhirter Hanson was born November 30, 1932 in Dallas, Oregon. Her parents were Clarence and Edna Ogden Benson. She started first grade at Polk Station near Dallas, Oregon full of enthusiasm. She attended a modest, single room schoolhouse that provided instruction for students in grades one through eight alongside her siblings. She deeply admired and respected Miss Freeman, her teacher. She later attended school at Perrydale, Oregon, before going on to graduate from Dallas High School in 1950.

In June 1951 she married John Clergy McWhirter and they had three children: Vickie, Dennis, and Tammy. They lived in Dallas until 1965 when they moved to Albany, Oregon. Before achieving her ideal position, one that she loved, as a real estate agent for Westbrook Realty Mary explored a variety of different jobs.

In 1978 she met Ron Hanson, they were married shortly thereafter. After they were married, they moved to Monmouth, Oregon. They resided there until 1991, after which they moved to Lacomb, Oregon to a small gentleman’s farm - which occupied their time.

Mary and Ron had a great love of travel and adventure. They started out small, backpacking in Europe before moving on to larger, more exotic adventures. Among their notable experiences were journeys to Burma, Vietnam, Thailand and India. Collectively they traveled to more than 100 countries. Their last, probably their most enjoyable adventure, was in 2020 when they were able to fulfill their dream of traveling to Antarctica.

Mary leaves behind daughter Victoria Knight, son Dennis McWhirter (Connie), daughter Tammy Loween (Oscar), youngest brother Tom Benson; Ron’s children: Sue (Jim), Marjorie, David (Melody), Erin (Gregg), Sara (Matt), Jeff (dawn), and Tom; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald Dennis Hanson in 2023.

Mary went home to be with Jesus and to join her best friend Ron on Easter Sunday.

Most of all we will miss her smile and witty sense of humor.

Mary’s service will take place on Friday April 17th, 2026 at HOPE Church in Albany, Oregon at 10 a.m. with the committal to follow at 1.p.m. at the Dallas Cemetery in Dallas, Oregon.