Mary Schlange Rees passed away due to an accidental fall in her home on Jan. 7, 2013. Those who knew Mary will understand just how ironic this is, considering she was more sure-footed than any mountain goat who ever traversed the rough terrain of the Colorado Plateau.
Mary was born on Jan. 21, 1946 in Auburn, Neb. After meeting her future husband, Tom Rees, she moved to Utah in 1968 and graduated from the University of Utah in Anthropology. They settled in Moab and later in Castle Valley where she continued to live until her death.
Upon moving to Castle Valley, she and Tom produced two beautiful, smart and industrious children – Tait and Hilary. Later she honed her horticultural skills into a business of restoring landscapes to their natural habitat. Mary’s photographs captured extraordinary images of nature. Mary’s writing was articulate, meaningful, and poignant. Her letters were always treasures.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Augusta Schlange. She is survived by Tait Rees (Koel Thomae), Boulder, CO; Hilary Rees, Tucson, AZ; their father, Tom Rees.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grand Canyon Trust: Grand Canyon Trust 2601 North Fort Valley Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001
