Mary L. Barnes born February 8 ^th , 1919 made a graceful passage from this world to her Creator, and her Lord Jesus Christ on Sept. 1, 2014.

Mary Barnes (Warren) was the daughter of Ezra and Alta (Osborne). She had three loving sisters, Virginia Smith, Glenadene Koch and Martha Zehner (her twin sister) all preceding her in death. In 1940 she married Walter F. Barnes (deceased). Mary was the loving and nurturing mother to three children, Fred W. Barnes, Jean Sasaki (husband Hank), and Jim Barnes (wife Janet). Mary was the adoring aunt to three nieces, Phyllis Homier, Beverly Jozefiak and Faye Tope. She remains an inspiration to six grandchildren, Dr. Michelle (Barnes) Wittler (husband Brian), Melissa Barnes (husband John), both of Indianapolis, IN and Bill Barnes (wife Lisa) of Austin, TX; Adia Hanson, Hendersonville, TN.; Corey Barnes (wife Margharita) of Columbus, OH and Kassandra Barnes, Chicago, IL. As well as seven great grandchildren: Bryson Wittler, Brennan Wittler, Alessandria Hanson, Houston Cavitt, Max Barnes, Wyatt Barnes, Isaac Barnes and an eighth great grandchild, Leah Barnes (on the way).

Mary attended Bowling Green State University and received a two-year degree in education and during this time she met the love of her life, Walter.

The other love of Mary's life was teaching. She taught for 28 years, 26 of them at Ayersville Local Schools teaching 5 ^th grade and middle school. Mary was more than a teacher she was an educator. She brought out the best in every student and remembered them all by name and by the quality of their penmanship. She taught doctors, lawyers, and business leaders, but most importantly, she inspired more teachers. Many of her former students are educators today, including her own daughter.

Mary was an active and proud member of St. Paul's Lutheran church where she volunteered in numerous capacities including Circle Leader, Welca Officer, Service Guild, Stewardship Speaker, Project Day, Martha Circle and AAL/Thrivent. Fellow volunteers will all agree her best form of service were her famous mint brownies, which fed the souls of many over the years. Mary was also a member of the local teacher's sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa/Alpha Eta since 1973.

Mary enjoyed food – because it usually meant being surrounded by family. Whether it was a meal at the family restaurant, hosting the entire family at her home for the holidays or baking with her grandchildren, Mary loved being in her kitchen and used it to teach many life lessons. The consummate educator, Mary never told you all the ingredients of her recipes, instead she made you watch and learn how to make every cookie, brownie and pie recipe (that is, if you wanted to make it correctly, otherwise she'd just hand you the recipe). Her own granddaughter, Kassy spent years learning all of her now safely kept secret recipes.

She loved nature, especially flowers, plants, birds and enjoyed talking about the weather. Mary was an avid sports fan, especially of the local high school teams and of course the Cleveland Indians. She also enjoyed an occasional cold beer, which made being an Indians fan easier.

Mary knew nearly everyone in the community – and if she didn't know you, then she probably knew your family, and more than likely, she had you as a student. She loved and appreciated all of her neighbors and cherished her many friendships she had over the years.

Every encounter with Mary Barnes included a life lesson, the most profound being that family and service to others makes for an incredibly fulfilling life. In Mary's own departing words: "I have had a wonderful life" and we, her family, thank you all for being a part of it.

Please join us in the celebration of Mary's life with visitation services at Schaeffer Funeral Home on Thursday, September 4 ^th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 11am on September 5 ^th followed by an entombment service at Riverview Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Defiance Area Hospice Center.