Mary Ann Sheafer

Mary Ann Sheafer, 94, a loving and compassionate woman of faith, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024 in Country View of Sunbury.

Born November 26, 1929 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Charles Oscar and Eunice Adele (Morrell) Dudt. Following her graduation, Mary Ann married the love of her life, the late Richard Sheafer, with whom she celebrated more than 66 years of marriage prior to his passing. 

 After a brief honeymoon, Richard and Mary Ann moved to New Philadelphia. There, she and Dick started attending the First Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia and co-sponsored a Junior High Youth Group. She also served as the church treasurer for numerous years.

 Mary Ann was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, always looking for ways to create beautiful memories for her family and make them feel cherished. 

 Her love of Christmas was celebrated with year-long shopping trips to find gifts, house decorating, and delicious meals prepared for the entire family throughout the holiday season. 

 She found great enjoyment shopping. Additionally, she and Dick treasured taking their family on vacations together, a tradition that continues today.

 Mary Ann and Richard were blessed with three children; Eric B. (Susan) Sheafer of Massillon, Nancy A. (Ted) George of Dover and James C. (Anjee) Sheafer of Sunbury; nine grandchildren, Katherine Sheafer- Henderson, Emily and William Sheafer, Alexandra George-Zimmer, Lilianna George, Ashley Sheafer-Dollins, Michael, Kali and Charlotte Sheafer and six great grandchildren, Harper Henderson, Alaina Dollins, Norah Henderson, Avery Dollins, Lucy Henderson, Emma Zimmer.

 Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. A service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mark Unrue officiating. Burial will follow in Dover Burial Park. 

 Memorial contributions in Mary Ann’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/OH-CentralOhio?px=21216837&pg=personal&fr_id=17826.