Mary Evelyn Born, long time resident of Logan County, died peacefully, Nov. 13, 2019, at 7:56 p.m. with her family at her side.
Mary was born April 12, 1927, in Logan County to the late Bessie Hilda Cox and Rice Simeon Bush. Mary had been residing in Springfield for the past several years at Oakwood Manor under the loving and watchful care of her son, Bruce.
In early 1948, she married Lester R. Born in Platsburg, and they remained in Logan County for most of the remainder of their lives. Most recently, they lived among a wonderful group of friends at Indian Lake Shores in Logan County.
Mary was 92 years old and was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; brothers, Perry, Ted and William Bush; children, Lee Born of Mt. Dora, Fla., Lester Born III of Indian Lake, Lisa Born Pitts of Columbus and Deborah Born of Logan County; and granddaughters Brenda Born and Emily Watkins.
Mary is survived by her children, Bruce Born of Springfield, Linda (Gene) Gooding of Vermillion and Chris (David) Watkins of Rushsylvania; and daughters-in-law, Joanne Wagoner Born and Cat Koons Born. Also surviving are grandchildren: Jennifer (Drew) Racheck of Bellefontaine, Kasey Born of Mt. Dora, Robin (Lonnie) Aldredge of Springfield, Leslie (Gary) Johnson of Vermillion, Angie (Dave) Tupis of Taylorsville, Ky., Gene (Mallory) Gooding of Huron, Annie (Scott) Hartranft and John (Ashley) Watkins of West Mansfield, Mary (Justin) Shafer of Lindstrom, Minn., Mandy (Richard) Montague of Lexington, Ky., and Hannah (Brian) Tilly of Honolulu, Hawaii. Mary has also been blessed with 12 great-grandchildren.
Mary‘s joy in life was being with her children. But Mary spread joy to many, many Logan County residents in her position for several years as the official greeter at the Bellefontaine Kroger store and before that as cashier at Jackson’s Newstand, Johnny‘s Market, Super Valu IGA, and PK Lumber. Most recently Mary was the head greeter and guide for the facility where she lived and gave great aid and comfort to new residents who were unsure about services offered and how to navigate the facility. She also greeted the families of residents and guided them to family member’s apartments. Always with a smile always wanting to help.
Mary claimed Jesus Christ as her Savior. Most recently attending worship services at Oakwood with her neighbors and friends.
Mary’s family will be having a memorial service in her honor Nov. 21 at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. The service and visitation will be at the Rushsylvania Church of Christ, 170 Mill St., Rushsylvania. Pastor John Watkins will be officiating.