Mary M. Anthony

Mary M. Anthony passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at Mason Christian Village in Mason, Ohio. She was born on June 4, 1944, in Sturgis, Michigan, and was a longtime resident of Dayton, Ohio, before retiring to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 2003.

Mary graduated from Ball State University in 1966, where she met her husband, Ronald Anthony. They were married on May 13, 1967. As a military family, they lived in several places including Dover, Delaware and Lafayette, Indiana before eventually settling in the Dayton area in 1974. Caring for others was at the core of who Mary was. In addition to being a homemaker and raising three children, she served others in her professional life as well. She worked as an elementary school teacher, daycare center aide, tax preparer, and accountant. A woman of deep faith and strong community ties, Mary was an active member of Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church in Kettering, Ohio for 28 years and later continued her involvement at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne.

Mary’s interests reflected her zest for life and love of family. She cherished staying connected with relatives, traveling, camping, biking, and researching family genealogy. Always one to keep busy, Mary volunteered as an active member of the PTO, Cub Scout leader, youth group leader, camp counselor, stage painter for community theater, and much more. She was also a longtime active member of the Monroeville Indiana Homemakers Club.

Known affectionately as the “fun” mom, aunt, and grandma, Mary created lasting memories for those around her—whether skating on a self-made ice rink formed by pouring water on the back patio or hosting joyful gatherings filled with good food and swimming at the Woodburn pond house. Friends, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren always looked forward to time spent with her. She will be remembered for her unwavering spirit and deep devotion to her family.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald R. Anthony; her children, Randall S. (Erica) Anthony, Annette J. (Patrick) Clarke, and Steven R. (Sarah) Anthony; and her grandchildren, Sean Anthony, Dylan Anthony, Katelyn Anthony, Benjamin Clarke, Christopher (Yijing) Clarke, Maria Clarke, Alexander Anthony, and Brendan Anthony. She is also survived by her sisters, Jean Routsong Arellano and Julia Routsong.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dan (Joan) Routsong; her sister, Gale (Paul) Riley; and her parents, George and Eunice Routsong.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 15, 2026. Details to follow.

Internment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, LaGrange, IN.