Mary B. Straszheim

Mary B. Straszheim, 91, of New Madison, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023, at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville Ohio, where she had resided since April. 

Mary was born February 22, 1932, to the late Ross and Margaret Bryan in Dayton, Ohio. Following high school graduation from West Carrollton, Ohio, she attended Otterbein College, then went on to work at Frigidaire Division of GM in Dayton and the Early Bird of Greenville, where she retired after 30 years.

Mary and her husband Gene, who she married November 16, 1956, moved from Trotwood to Darke County in 1971 to raise their children. She enjoyed sewing and gardening, including canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. Following retirement, she became more active in her community through the American Legion Auxiliary, New Madison United Methodist Church, New Madison Senior Center, Wayne Hospital, and Friends of the New Madison Public Library. Mary lived a life of helping others and never knew a stranger.

In addition to her parents and stepmother, Emma Bryan, Mary was preceded in death by husband Gene in 2009, brothers Ross (Louise) Bryan, William Bryan, Charles Bryan, brother-in-law Jerry Straszheim and special friend John Tinkle.

Survivors include son Mark and Katie Straszheim of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; daughter Kay and Jim Stephan of New Madison. Five grandchildren: Jill Straszheim and Abby Straszheim of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Jenna Straszheim (fiancé Christopher Lewis) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Megan and Connor Hull of Powell, Ohio, and Ryan Stephan (Haley Roberts) of New Madison. Mary welcomed her first great grandchild, Matthew Hull, on September 12, 2023. In addition, she is survived by sister-in-law Sue Bryan and sister-in-law Connie Straszheim, and many nieces and nephews, friends, and the church ladies.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the New Madison United Methodist Church, with Pastor Carol Duffield officiating. Burial will follow in Greenmound Cemetery.

Guests may visit with Mary’s family on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Tribute Funeral Homes, New Madison Campus, and again on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Madison United Methodist Church, the New Madison Public Library or Tri-Village Rescue.

Online condolences may be shared with family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.