Mary Anna Westenskow Cox, born December 13, 1933, in Imbler, Oregon, passed away February 15, 2026, in Nampa, Idaho.  She lived 92 years, years of peaks and valleys woven through with abiding joy and fun.   Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend, James B. Cox, with whom she shared 68 devoted years of marriage. Together they raised seven children, who were her greatest joy. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren who continue her legacy of faith and love.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mary devoted her life to serving others alongside her husband while raising her family. She taught those around her to put God first, to be kind, and to always love themselves.

Mary graduated from Imbler High School and later earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Brigham Young University. She used her education not only in raising her family but also in serving and uplifting others throughout her life.

Music brought her tremendous joy. Throughout her school years, she played the piano—from lively boogie-woogie tunes that filled rooms with dancing friends to the powerful works of Rachmaninoff. Teaching piano became one of her greatest loves. She shared her gift generously, including her work with the Youth Enrichment Foundation for inner-city children in Salt Lake City, where she touched the lives of hundreds of young people and instilled in them a love for music.

She delighted in life's simple comforts—a trusty back scratcher, a piece of chocolate, and the warmth of a down comforter. These small pleasures will forever carry her memory, wrapping us in smiles the way she wrapped us in love.

Mary was known for speaking her mind with honesty and conviction. She never minced words. Many admired and loved her for her straightforward nature, her strong opinions, and her unwavering authenticity.

Above all, Mary will be remembered for her deep devotion to her family, her steadfast faith, her generous service, and the music and love she shared so freely.  Her influence will continue to echo through generations.

Mary Anna loved the poem "Myself" by Edgar Guest, which she had memorized when she was a child, and carried it with her throughout her life, reciting it quickly and joyfully to anyone she wished to share it with.

Myself Edgar Guest

I have to live with myself, and so, I want to be fit for myself to know; I want to be able as days go by, always to look myself straight in the eye; I don't want to stand with the setting sun and hate myself for the things I've done. I don't want to keep on a closet shelf a lot of secrets about myself, And fool myself as I come and go into thinking that nobody else will know the kind of person I really am; I don't want to dress myself up in sham. I want to deserve all men's respect; But here in this struggle for fame and wealth, I want to be able to like myself. I don't want to think as I come and go that I'm for bluster and bluff and empty show. I never can hide myself from me; I see what others may never see, I know what others may never know, I never can fool myself—and so, whatever happens, I want to be self-respecting and conscience-free.

And so she did!