Mary Henry Obituary Mary Ellen Henry, age 96, departed this earthly realm, on 6/24/2025, having lived a long, happy, purposeful life full of service to others. She was born June 8, 1929, Shelby, OH to Helen Ruth and Peyton Wade Thomas (editors of The Plymouth Advertiser newspaper 1925-1954) and became a sister to "Sid" (Peyton Siddall Thomas). She grew up in Plymouth, belonged to The Girl Scouts, graduated Plymouth High School in 1947, attended Kent State University for one year, then married the love of her life, Daniel Henry on November 21,1948, with whom she created a family of three daughters: Leslie Henry of Copley, OH, Terry Hammond (Gary) of Columbus, OH, and Martha Burrer (Sam) of Willard, OH. She was always busy, interested in learning new things, and was a faithful and active member of The Plymouth United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, arranging flowers for Sunday morning services, sewing altar cloths, Jr. Choir robes, Christmas pageant costumes, and helping cook church meals. She returned to college, graduating from Ashland College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, followed by a Master of Education degree from Bowling Green State University. She enjoyed a 30+ years career in education spanning teaching in Shiloh and Plymouth, working for the Richland County Board of Education, and then as a Special Needs Coordinator for the Pioneer Career and Technology Center. She was a member of OEA, NEA, and was selected to the Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Society of Education. Always ready for a new adventure and full of life, she enjoyed birdwatching, fishing/boating on Lake Erie, flower-gardening, baking/sharing cookies, the companionship of her faithful canine, Walker (who she trained to be certified as an International Therapy Dog), cheering for the Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers, genealogy, world travel, and most of all SEWING! She was preceded in death by her parents (father 1957, mother 1975), her husband of 46 years (1994), and her brother (2017). She will be remembered and greatly missed by her family (including 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews), many friends, and former students. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful, loving care she received while living at The Willows of Willard. Friends and family may come to honor her life from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby, Ohio. A memorial service will follow starting at 11:30 AM with Gary Hammond officiating at the funeral home. A private family graveside service will be at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, one may offer a simple act of anonymous kindness in remembrance of her, or donations may be made in her memory to the Greenlawn Cemetery Chapel Restoration Fund (Village of Plymouth),48 West Broadway, Plymouth, OH 44865, or Richland County Humane Society, 3025 Park Ave West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.