Mary J. Dingess

Mary J. Dingess, age 79, of Rossford, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 17, 1946, to William and Evelyn (French) Demko, Mary lived a life full of devotion, resilience, and joy.

A proud graduate of Waite High School, Class of 1964, Mary went on to dedicate 35 years of her life as a restaurant manager at White Tower. She was hardworking, dedicated, and made lifelong friends along the way.

In 2000, Mary married Lewis Dingess, the man she called “the love of her life.” Their love story was one of laughter, strength, and partnership. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and love. After Lewis’s passing in 2015, Mary missed him every single day, and now they are finally together again.

If you called Mary on a Saturday in the fall, chances are she was tuned into the Ohio State Buckeyes. She loved watching the games, often from the comfort of her chair, cheering them on no matter what. Family and friends would call during or after the games to talk plays, wins, and even losses—and those conversations became some of her favorite traditions. Her Buckeye pride was something she carried all her life.

Mary was known for her feisty and fun-loving spirit. She loved playing bunco with her girls and sisters, and those who played with her knew she could be competitive—and maybe even a little colorful with her words. She had a way of lighting up every room she walked into, and her family remembers her as loving, caring, and always full of life.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Jennifer (Michael) Bunting; grandchildren James Keel, Donald Keel, Jessica Bunting (Austin Nuhfer), and Breanne Bunting; great-grandchildren Alexia Meeks, Amian Keel, Ayden Keel, and Bentley Bunting; and siblings Barb Fix, William Demko, and Judy Cain. Also surviving is her childhood best friend since kindergarten, Donna Chapinski, who remained by her side through every stage of life.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Lewis, sisters Nancy Oberdorf and Debbie Loyer, and brother-in-law John Fix.

Mary’s legacy lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren, the traditions she passed down, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

“O-H!”

“I-O!”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church.

And because Mary would have loved it—if you are attending the funeral, please feel free to wear your Ohio State gear! Mary will be wearing hers one final time.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 2:00-7:00 PM with funeral service beginning at 7:00 PM at Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford, Ohio.