Mary Leatha Aken

Mary Leatha Aken, 62, a lifelong resident of New Philadelphia, died peacefully in her family home early Wednesday morning, December 10, 2003.Born in New Philadelphia February 7, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth Aken and Anastasia Cox Aken, who survives. Mary attended Starlight School for three years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church. Mary’s life was a special gift to her family. She touched the heart’s of all those who knew her. She was especially fond of young children, and will be missed by her family, especially her mother and brother with whom she lived. In addition to her mother Anastasia, she is survived by two sisters, Jane (Robert) Merdes of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mrs. Ellen (Stein) Ohrstrom of Cypress, Texas; two brothers, Kenneth (Mary Ann) Aken of Knoxville, Tennessee, and John Aken of New Philadelphia, fourteen nieces and nephews; and a longtime caregiver, Dora Huff, of Dennison. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Deborah Ann Eggleston.Friends are invited to call Friday December 12, 2003 from 5 until 7 PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, where Christian Wake Services will begin at 6:00 PM. Monsignor George J. Schlegel will celebrate a funeral mass Saturday morning at 10:30 AM in Sacred Heart Church. Burial, alongside her father, will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Philadelphia. The ladies of Sacred Heart Church will host a reception for family and friends in St. Ambrose Hall following the committal service.