Mary Ellen Andrus

Mary Ellen Andrus died peacefully on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 with her family at her side at the Hospice Center of Northwestern Ohio in Perrysburg. She was a wife, mother and friend to all who came to know her. Born on December 27, 1934, Mary Ellen was the daughter of Mr. Harry and Helen Bell Johnson, both of whom proceeded her in death. She was also proceeded in death by her husband Richard, Sr. 1998 and son Thomas 2001. Mary Ellen was a secretary at the Shore Line Franklin Rail Road. In October of 1953, she met the love of her life, Dick Andrus at a Toledo Catholic Club dance and as they say, the rest was history. They were joined in marriage on May 15, 1954 and became the proud parents 6 children. Fr. Richard R. Andrus, Jr. SVD Chicago, Thomas Andrus deceased Linda, Diane Lilly, Mary Jo Gall David, John Andrus Cheryl, and Cheryl Foster John. She was also a grandmother to Brad and Christopher Lilly, Matthew and Katlyn Gall and Lizzie Andrus. Dick and Mary Ellen also adopted another son, Kevin Rood Diana. Also surviving is her brother-in-law, James Andrus. When anyone ever asked which one she was proudest of, her answer was always the same: I am proud of all of our children. There is something about each of them that makes them each very special and lovable. Thats what I love about them Mary Ellen spent her entire adult life as a devoted wife 45 years, loving mother and grandmother, roles that she invested her whole heart and life into and cherished dearly. After her youngest entered grade school, Mary Ellen worked 8 years at St. Josephs in Maumee as a lunchroom and playground supervisor. She also enrolled at Bowling Green State University where she studies creative writing, drawing on all of the many years of memories and experiences she had accumulated as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Besides the love she had for her husband, children and grandchildren, Mary Ellen also cherished her treasured friendships including her Ursula graduating class, long time family friends and neighbors. Mary Ellen saw the completion of nearly 76 years of life, not long by human standards. But she really didnt live by human standards but by Gods and by her living and her dying was a powerful reminder that its not how long you live but how well!Well done good and faithful servant, well done! Matthew 25:23 Viewing for Mary Ellen Andrus will take place on Sunday, November 6, 2011 beginning from 2-8 PM at Mason-Dardenne Funeral Home Maumee, with a scripture wake service at 7 PM. Funeral services will begin Monday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home followed by the celebration of the funeral mass at 10 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Maumee followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Donations to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or to Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio.