"Our loving Mom and Yia Yia"

Our dear beloved Mom and Yia Yia, Mary Karabats, passed away peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by her family in Denver, Colo. on March 31.

Mary was born on August 28, 1918 in Magna, to Tom and Mabel Bavelas. She loved her family and her happiest times were those spent with the ones she loved. She had a special place in her heart for those less fortunate than her. Mom loved to travel and was always the one to go off and explore. She loved to do crossword puzzles and play cards but her favorite hobby was to read and cast horoscopes. Mom was very knowledgeable about horoscopes and so often kept her family and friends informed of their future and chance for fortune.

She was proud of her Greek heritage and loved to cook and eat Greek food. She was a wonderful cook. No one has ever been able to bake koulourakia, kourambiathes and diples the way Mom could. She had the knack none of us could match. Her sense of humor and laugh will be with us always.

Mary retired from the Tooele Army Depot after many years of service. She loved working at the Venus Club and was involved in the business for over 40 years. She was a life-long Democrat and was very proud for everyone to know she never voted for any other party. She married the love of her life, Gus Karabats, on October 29, 1939 in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Mary and Gus were blessed with two loving, caring children, Peter and Billie. They were married for over 64 wonderful years before Gus passed away in 2004. Their love is everlasting through all time and eternity.

Mary retired from the Tooele Army Depot after many years of service. She loved working at the Venus Club and was involved in the business for over 40 years. She was a life-long Democrat and was very proud for everyone to know she never voted for any other party. She married the love of her life, Gus Karabats, on October 29, 1939 in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Mary and Gus were blessed with two loving, caring children, Peter and Billie. They were married for over 64 wonderful years before Gus passed away in 2004. Their love is everlasting through all time and eternity.

She is survived by son, Pete (Stella) Karabats, Tooele; daughter, Billie (Jerry) Rafferty, Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Peter (Keri) Karabats, Sherman Oaks, Calif., Allison (Matt) Blue, Denver, Colo., Stephanie Karabats, Valencia, Calif.; great-grandchildren Lauren, Jack and Gus Blue; "special family", Gloria Hunter, Dallas, Ore.; Kay (Wes) Scroggin, Dallas, Ore.

Preceded in death by husband, Gus; father, Tom; mother, Mabel; brother, Jim; sister, Georgia. Her many pets, Blondie, Penny, Mickey, Sam, Melina, Boubelina, Pepper, Fifi and Samantha brought her much joy and happiness throughout the years. They were her constant companions.

Visitation will be April 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Tate Mortuary, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be April 9, at 11 11 a.m. in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 S. 300 W. in Salt Lake City. Burial will follow at the Tooele City Cemetery.