Mary E. Willard

Mary Ellen Willard, 86, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, at her home in Salem, Ohio, with her partner and caretaker, Thomas Wright at her side.

She was born on July 18, 1939, in Marietta, Ohio, to the late John D. and Lea S. (Murphy) Weddle. She grew up in Beloit, Ohio and was a member of the Beloit Friends Church. She graduated from Sebring High School in 1957. On July 4, 1959, she married Russell Arthur Willard. They made their home in Salem and in 1962 moved to California, in 1972 they returned to Ohio.

Mary was a very artistic person and an avid crafter. She was very innovative when it came to fabrics and starting new sewing projects. She was incredible at what she did, the proof being in her many projects. She once made a wedding dress for her daughter-in-law to wear for her wedding and a quilt for her granddaughter. She worked as a waitress for most of her life. She worked at DeRinzo’s, Fonderlac Country Club, and Tippecanoe Country Club over the years. When she lived in California, she worked with interior designers making drapes and slipcovers.

Mary leaves behind her two sons, Russell (Audrey) Willard and Robert (Toni) Willard; a brother, Sam Weddle; a sister, Betty Weddle; five granddaughters, Bambi Woodworth, Ashlee McGee, Brittany Kolodziej, Staci Willard, and Elizabeth Reents, a grandson, Ryan Sherrill and 14 great-grandchildren. Mary will also be deeply missed by her partner, Thomas Wright.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Russell in 1991, a brother, John L. Weddle in 2015, and two daughters, DeAnna White in 2021 and Lora Lee Willard in Oct. 1961 at 14 days old.

Per Mary’s request, there will be no public services. She will be laid to rest at Hope Cemetery in Salem, Ohio.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

To view Mary’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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