Mary Drost

Mary Alice Drost passed into eternal life on June 5, 2014 at the age of 91. She was born April 10, 1923, in Texico, N.M. to Carl and Lillian Conlee. Her father’s position as superintendent of a school district helped instill an appreciation for learning that would lead to the pursuit of a degree at New Mexico State University at a time when higher education for females was rare. She ended her formal studies before graduating, and entered the workforce at the start of World War II. It was during her job as a secretary at Alamogordo Army Air Base in 1943 that she met Johnny Drost, a confident, charismatic engineering officer and chief test pilot. They married on July 28, 1944, the start of a union that would exemplify committed, selfless love for nearly 70 years.

Known to family and friends as Reecie, it was her other titles she cherished more – Mother, sister, aunt, and, to her five grandchildren, Mimi or Memo. To her son and daughter, Reecie was a devoted mother who poured love into their lives from their birth until her death. Reecie’s five grandchildren were a source of joy to her, and she shared bonds with each of them that deepened as they reached adulthood. She communicated best through countless cards sent to them commemorating birthdays and other special events, using her writing talent to uplift and encourage.

Reecie supported Johnny throughout his 28-year Air Force career in part by joining the Officers Wives Club. She served as president and chairman of many of their boards. As a crew wife, she trained younger wives in reading the stock market. Active throughout her life, Reecie participated in bowling, archery, tennis and golfing in her early years.

After Johnny retired from the Air Force as a Colonel, the couple retired in Coronado, CA, where Reecie continued a robust social schedule, joining bridge clubs and forming wonderful friendships that would last a lifetime. Her husband built a Glass Air airplane named Serendipity in 1988, and she enjoyed navigating during their frequent flying trips.  The couple attended a Methodist church in San Diego for many years.  Loving church members made Reecie a handmade prayer quilt that she treasured.

The couple moved from Coronado to College Station seven months before her death to be closer to family.

To all her who knew her, Reecie embodied refinement and grace. Unfailingly dignified in speech and manner, her gentleness endeared her to strangers and friends alike.

She is preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter Jennifer Lynn Drost.

She is survived by her husband, Col. (Ret.) John Drost; daughter Jo Lynn Bundy and her husband Patrick; son Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gary Drost and his wife Marcia; sister Carol (Conlee) Walsh; brother Carl Conlee and his wife Charlene; grandchildren Eric Barner and his wife Jennifer, Ashley Barner, Josh Bundy, Lt. Col. Mike Drost and his wife Katy, and Tracy (Drost) Mead, DVM; eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.