Mary R. Owens

Mary R. Owens, age 97, affectionately remembered as ” Aunt Mary” died early Monday morning, June 11, 2007, at Altera Sterling House, in Marion, Ohio. Born at Dillonvale, Ohio, September 7, 1909, she was a daughter of the late Charles Clancy and Ada Barkhurst Mercer. Mary’s family moved to New Philadelphia in 1920, where in 1928, she graduated from High School. She completed her education at Safford’s Business College. Active in the community, she was the founder, charter member, and first president of the Dover Â? New Philadelphia Business & Professional Women’s Club, an organization which she maintained a life membership. Mrs. Owens was a member of the First Christian Church at New Philadelphia, the Dover Historical Society, the Tuscarawas County Historical Society, AARP, and the Friends of the Wilderness Center. Mary was best known as Mrs. Marlite for her forty year career with the Marlite Â? Division of Masonite Company, where, at the time of her retirement in 1971, she was the executive secretary and office manager.After she retired she took painting lessons with friends at her home and became a talented painter of outdoor scenery. She also loved gathering and pressing flowers for making her own greeting cards and sharing them with friends and family. Mary was an accomplished pianist and organist throughout her life and was an avid Cleveland Indians fan.In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death in 1968 by her husband, Evan Owens, who operated the Tuscarawas County Telephone Company, predecessor of General Telephone. Five brothers, William “Pete” (Ann), Howard “Bud” (Mildred), Henry “Ozzie” (Marie), Clancy (Mary) and Bob (Lydia) Mercer and three sisters, Vera Dager (Boyd), Zana Mercer, Jane McKee (Mick) are also deceased.Survivors include fifteen, nieces and nephews who will all miss her. There will be no visitation. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. At Mary’s request her body has been cremated and arrangements are being handled by the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory of New Philadelphia. Mary’s cremated remains will be inurned at Evergreen Burial Park next to her husband. It was Mrs. Owens request that contributions be made to the Scholarship Fund of the Dover Â? New Philadelphia Business & Professional Women’s Club or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. third St. Dover, OH 44622.