Mary Dean Obituary

Mary Arlene Dean

Mary Arlene Dean (Lockwood), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at The Heritage Nursing Home in Findlay.

Mary was born May 2, 1938, and graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in Dayton. She earned a teaching certificate from Ohio University. On March 28,1959, Mary married her high school sweetheart, James Dean. Mary briefly taught 2nd grade before dedicating herself to her family. She and James raised two sons and one daughter, Steven (Christine) Dean, Jeffrey (Anne) Dean and Jennifer (David) Miller.

In 1973, Mary and James moved to Findlay and lived together there for the rest of their lives, sharing 59 beautiful years until his passing Mar. 14, 2018.

Mary's greatest joy was her nine grandchildren, Aaron (Becca) Dean, Abigail (Ben) Shortt, Jacob Dean, Rebecca Dean, Dillon Dean, Mary (Jacob) Dotzler, Isaac Dean, Julia Miller and Daniel Miller; along with her six great-grandchildren.

A faithful follower of Christ, all who knew Mary were witness to her grateful and loving heart. In her younger years, she served her church by playing piano. Mary will also be remembered for the many years that she and James taught the 4-year-olds Sunday School class at Calvary Baptist Church. She took great pleasure in cheering on her children and grandchildren at their many sporting events, and she found joy in bird-watching and savoring chocolate peanut-butter ice cream. Mary also loved taking and organizing photos so she could always remember special moments with family and friends.

Many thanks to the caregivers at The Legacy, The Heritage Nursing Home, The Taylor Place and to Susie Carter who diligently showed compassion and kindness to Mary in the last months of her time on earth. We are grateful to Bunny Martens for the dear gift of time, friendship and love she gave to Mary for many years. We praise God that Mary has joined her loving Savior and will enjoy His presence forever.

The family and friends will be gathering Sunday afternoon for a time of remembrance of her life. Memorial donations can be made to Harmony Life International (https://harmonylifeinternational.org/) or LifeWise (https://lifewise.org/). COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay, have been entrusted with Mary's care. Online condolences may be shared with her family at coldrencrates.com.