Mary Johanna Wirth, a lifelong resident of Glenwood Springs, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at Heritage Park Care Center in Carbondale. She was 89.

She was born March 3, 1914, in Glenwood Springs to Alfred and Johanna Wirth. She graduated from Garfield County High School in Glenwood Springs.

Ms. Wirth served in the U.S. Women’s Army Corps during World War II, working as a cook at an air base in Australia.

Following the war, she attended the University of Denver on the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1948 with a degree in hotel and restaurant management.

She worked for 15 years as the dietitian and cafeteria manager at Valley View Hospital.

Ms. Wirth lived an independent life in spite of disabilities, thanks to her many supportive friends on Sopris Avenue and in the Roaring Fork Valley. She loved chatting with visitors in her home or over the phone.

She avidly followed the Colorado Rockies.

Ms. Wirth spent the last year at Heritage Park Care Center, where she was cared for with love and dignity.

Ms. Wirth was preceded in death by her parents and six brothers and sisters.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Werner and Carolyn Anderson of Carbondale; by grandson and granddaughter-in-law Don and Angela Anderson of Sterling; by granddaughter and grandson-in-law Cindy and Fred D’Ercole of Lawrence, Kan.; by great-grandchildren Alexandra and Anna D’Ercole and Baylor Anderson; and by her friend and companion, Spotty.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of her life will be held this summer.

Farnum Holt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.