Mary Helen Spees Dalton was born on September 29, 1929, in the house on the family farm east of Newark, Missouri, where she was raised. A true farm girl with a city-girl flair, Mary loved horses and never met a stranger.

An accomplished student and athlete, Mary played second base in softball all four years of high school and served as a guard in half-court basketball, lettering all four years in both sports. She loved to say she could turn a double play and sink a long shot like nobody else. Raised in a musical family, Mary learned to play the piano and snare drum and participated in the marching band.
Mary fell in love with Richard "Dick" Dalton during her freshman year at Edina High School. They were married in 1948 and were blessed with three daughters: Dianne (Bill), Dana (Chuck), and Jayne (Leon).

As a dedicated scholar and athlete, Mary spent more than 30 minutes each way riding the school bus during high school. She was the first student picked up each morning and the last dropped off each evening—"a long day," as she often recalled. The high school principal, who also served as the bus driver and athletic coach, made sure his basketball star never missed a ride.

Throughout much of her life, Mary worked as a professional secretary, including positions with Golden Transfer in Longmont, Colorado; Dr. John Matsushima at Colorado State University; Bob Devaney, head football coach at the University of Nebraska; and head football coaches Mike Lude and Jerry Wampfler at Colorado State University. During these years, she loved singing with Sweet Adelines Barbershop chapters in Longmont and Fort Collins and was instrumental in starting the Lincoln, Nebraska chapter.

An avid golfer, Mary played in women's leagues in Longmont, Fort Collins, and Lincoln. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colorado Dealers Association, and the Continental Divide Morgan Horse Association. She also worked alongside her husband as Executive Secretary of Dalton Truck Sales in Longmont.

After retirement, Mary devoted more time to her beloved Morgan horses, working and training alongside her daughter Jayne, who rode and showed at the Kansas City Royal, horse shows in Estes Park, and the National Western Stock Show. Mary's horses earned many ribbons, reflecting her expertise and exceptional showmanship. Fittingly, she passed away on opening day of the Stock Show she so dearly loved.

Mary adored her grandchildren: Kristin (Neil), Billy (Mollie), Lindsey (Brian), Tyler, Audra (Alan), Mic (Megan), and Elise. One of her greatest joys was spending time with—and seeing photos of—her great-grandchildren: Hannah, Michael, Carlie, Bo, Taylor, Brycen, Trevyn, Brooklyn, Atley, Bodhi, Kole, Kallie, Ellie, Carson and Tammy,

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" Dalton, as well as her parents (Gayle & Mary Love Spees), sister (Ruth Lampson), and brother, (Sam Spees).
Mary lived a full and beautiful life surrounded by the love of her family. We will miss you, Mom. We love you—your entire family.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Eaton First Baptist Church, 228 Second Street in Eaton, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give?donate=529&referrer=imt-nmss-donate-wa-cta or to the Eaton First Baptist Church in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado 80620.