Mary L. Hilty

Mary L. Hilty, 86, of Columbus, formerly of Belle Center and Orrville, died Monday, July 9, 2018, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.

Mary was born at home on the family farm on August 10, 1931, near Wooster, Ohio.  She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sarah (Graber) Richard.  She is preceded in death by a sister, Helen (Chester – Dec) Steiner, a sister in law and several brothers in law.

Mary attended Madisonburg Grade School and graduated from Smithville High School in 1949.  She was a member of the Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church, transferred to Crown Hill Mennonite Church and was an affiliate member of the Worthington Presbyterian Church. While living in Belle Center, she attended the Belle Center United Presbyterian Church.  She was a former member of the Logan County Christian Women’s Association.

On June 7, 1951, she married Marvin S. Hilty at Crown Hill Mennonite Church near Rittman and he survives.  Also surviving are their five children; Dale M. Hilty of Bellefontaine, Carol M. (Dr. Donald R.) Ebersole of Goshen, IN, Duane M. Hilty, Cheryl M. Hilty, both of Columbus and Dr. Donald M. (Yvette S.) Hilty of Carmichael, CA; five grandchildren; Meredith and Matthew Ebersole, Sarah, Armani, and Lilly Hilty, three sisters; Anna (John - Dec) Gehman, Ruth (Wilford - Dec) Steiner, Martha (Charles - Dec) Steiner; and three brothers, Elmer (Eunice - Dec) Richard, Junior (Naomi) Richard, and Paul (Joanne) Richard and many nieces and nephews.

Mary worked at Dunlap Memorial Hospital.  She maintained their home and worked outside the home while Marvin attended Mortuary School in Cincinnati, OH.  Mary was a loving and devoted wife to Marvin and this extended to their children, grandchildren and the communities they served.  Her greatest joy was raising her children and she was a very loving grandmother.  Her deep love of family also included her siblings and extended family.  She was an excellent cook and baker.  She sewed and did beautiful embroidery work.  She also learned at an early age to crochet and that love was shared with her family and friends right up to her passing.  Mary also loved to travel.  Music was an important part of Mary’s life.  In her young adult years, she sang in a trio with her sisters, and in a sextet with additional siblings and friends.  They sang at churches, hospitals, and events all over Eastern Ohio.  A professional recording was made of their singing and is still enjoyed today.

Friends may call on Wednesday, July 18th at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 306 N. Elizabeth St., Belle Center from 1 until 4 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the Crown Hill Mennonite Church in Rittman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 20, 2018, at Crown Hill Mennonite Church, 9693 Benner Road, Rittman, with Pastors Thomas Dunn and Betsy Rice officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, Belle Center (937) 464-3123 and Auble Funeral Home, Orrville (330) 682-2966 are both assisting the Hilty family.

TD