Mary Catherine Ortery, 91, of Galesburg, died peacefully on Friday, November 25, 2022, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center. She was born April 10, 1931, to Raymond Lewis McCullough and Minnie Blanche Courtright. She was known as “Katie” to her family, and as Mary to her husband and the many friends she met aft er her marriage. She was happily married to John Lester Ortery from September 2, 1950 to October 18, 1997. She is survived by her son, John Allen Ortery; daughter, Christine Marie Sackey; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers and two sisters, and numerous nephews and nieces. Mary had a fierce love for her family and a firm faith in Jesus. She was a homemaker who loved nothing more than a big family gathering at her home. She was a member of New Life Baptist Church, Galesburg. Cremation was accorded. Burial will be in National Cemetery at Rock Island Arsenal, alongside her husband. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the American Cancer Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.