Mary Carlson Behne 1926-2026

She was born Nov. 22, 1926, in Fresno, California, a daughter of the late Orin B. and Paulina Rose Smith Griffes.

She was the youngest of four children, born during the Great Depression, and graduated from high school during WWII. At age 14, her family transferred to Cleveland, and because she excelled in mathematics and all men had been conscripted into the service, she was trained as a draftsman and entered the work world as a senior in high school.

Mary Griffes married Robert G. Earnest in 1947 and had four beautiful children. During this time, she received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and was one of the first women in the local area to be hired as a draftsman.

Her surviving children are Sandra (Larry) Camp and Eric (Judy) Earnest, and Eric and Judy’s children are Lexi, Amanda, and Christopher Earnest.

Her deceased sons are Gregory J. Earnest and Jeffrey (Deborah) Earnest. Jeffrey and Deborah’s children are Michael Maxwell, Kristen (Frank) Davis and Brittany (Ryan) Grimshaw.

Mary’s work life intensified, and in the early 1970s she met and married Ernest Carlson from East Palestine and adopted Michelle and Kelly Carlson. Michelle Garrett has three daughters, Trish Greer, Jena Garrett and Tara Garrett and now deceased Kelly (Brett) Walpole has a daughter, Kaylee (Dan) DiPietro and a son, Kyle (Dani) Walpole. Mary also has a dear nephew, Matt Peterson, who has been a devoted help to Mary and Ernie his entire life. We all love Matt like another brother.

While married to Ernie Carlson, she discovered Ernie’s love for flying, and together they built an experimental light aircraft business there at their shop in East Palestine. With Mary’s engineering and Ernie’s execution, Carlson Aircraft manufactured and sold planes all over the world, was featured in many flight magazines and won numerous national awards. Mary and Ernie were known for their large gatherings there for the aviation community and wonderful July 4th parties.

After Ernie’s passing, Mary decided to develop an aftermarket airplane parts business that sustained her until she decided to retire at the age of 97. During this time, Mary also married a gentleman, Frank Behne, and they had a very loving and productive life together until his passing. Frank’s children are Frank Behne Jr., Carol Jean Behne and Diane Matasek.

In addition to her achievements in the work world, she was also an accomplished singer and played the piano. She loved God and was devoted to the church. She was organized and kept an orderly house and kitchen; nobody ever went hungry while at Mom’s. She entertained, always dressed with style, and most importantly, she had family and friends who loved and admired her greatly.

Rest in peace, Mary; you always had the courage to follow your path.

The family will receive friends 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Josh Ruiter officiating.

Mary will be laid to rest in Glenview Cemetery in East Palestine.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

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