Obituary of Mary M. Ralston

Mary Ralston was born November 30,1926 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the daughter of Greek immigrants, Christ and Androniki Moschos. She died at her home Tuesday morning, November 11, 2014. A native Tulsan, Mary graduated from Tulsa Central High School. She had an older sister, Helen, and a younger brother, Mike. Shortly after high school, she met the man of her dreams while working at the Meadow Gold Dairy. She married John Ralston on November 18, 1947. The 50’s brought 3 children into John and Mary’s life, Steve, Vicky and Mike. Then came a change of scenery when John accepted a job with IBM which resulted in a series of moves for Mary and the rest of the family. During those years, Mary was entirely focused on her role as a mother and wife, as the family moved from Tulsa, to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Arlington Heights, Illinois and eventually back to Tulsa. She raised her children leading by example with her wonderful effervescent personality, strong spirit, tremendous work ethic and, of course, her love of God and life. In mid seventies, after her children were older, she took a job in the retail clothing business selling ladies clothes at Woolf Brothers, Harzfelds, and Miss Jacksons. Small in stature but giant in personality and drive, she was consistently a top performer everywhere she worked. She frequently reminded her family and friends that “dynamite comes in small packages”. She was, and remained, a beautiful and very stylish woman. Mary was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Laurel, Matt, and Miles. She also had 2 great grandchildren, Brayden and Daxton. In her role as YaYa, she was simply the best, maintaining a close personal relationship with each of her grandchildren, even when life took some of them to other parts of the country. She inspired all with her faith and love of God and church. “Live every day to the fullest”, she always reminded her grandchildren. She was a shining example. They will miss their YaYa. Mary was proud of her Greek heritage and was active in the Greek Orthodox Church. Her smile became a familiar sight at the annual Greek Festival every September. Mary was predeceased by her husband, John and daughter Vicky. She is survived by her grandchildren as well as her two sons, Steve and Mike and Mike’s wife Sharolyn. After the internment at Memorial Park cemetery, the family will host a reception at the home of Mike and Sharolyn Ralston, 11820 S. New Haven, Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice on behalf of Mary.