Mary A. Gartz

Mary A. Gartz, 91, passed away Christmas Eve morning at Hospice of NW Ohio in Perrysburg, surrounded by her family. She was born August 26, 1934 in Toledo to John and Betty Delaplane. After attending Harvard Elementary she graduated from Libbey High School in 1952. She received a B. Ed degree from the University of Toledo, and taught grade school for one year, before marrying Clarence (“Bud”) Gartz in 1957.

They remained happily married until Bud’s passing in 2014, raising two children, Michael and Ann. In her 50’s Mary went back to the University of Toledo and received a Master’s in Aging Guidance and Counseling, working in various nursing homes, and serving as Activities Director at Perrysburg Commons. After Bud retired from Libbey-Owens-Ford (LOF) in 1989, Mary also retired, and they moved from their house in Perrysburg to a condo.

Mary’s hobbies included playing in numerous bridge groups, attending plays and shows at the Masonic Auditorium, and volunteering in the Next-to-New Shop at Trinity Episcopal Church, Toledo, where she and Bud were members since 1964. She was also director of the ECW (Episcopal Church Women) for a period of time, and a member of the Perrysburg chapter of PEO. In retirement Mary and Bud volunteered as tutors at Stewart Elementary.

Surviving are her two children, Michael (Gosia) of Perrysburg, and Ann (Phillip) Kwaske of Chelsea, MI, plus granddaughters Celia and Daphne.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and aides at Kingston of Perrysburg, with particular thanks to Amy Thornton and Lisa Moye for their loving care over the past few months. Thanks, are also due to the nurses and doctors at Toledo Hospital, and Hospice of NW Ohio (Perrysburg) for providing the perfect setting for Mary’s final hours.

There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 871 E. Boundary Street, Perrysburg. Burial will be private at a later date. Memorial donations can be made in Mary’s name to Hospice of NW Ohio. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.