Mary Jane Fike (Traxler)
Mary Jane Fike (Traxler), age 77, of Shelby, died early Saturday morning, December 28, 2024, at the Avalon of Lewis Center surrounded by her loving family during a time of prayer.
Mary was born February 7, 1947 in Shelby, the daughter of the late Leon and Agnes (Eberl) Miller. Mary was a 1965 graduate of the St. Francis Convent in Tiffin, Ohio. After high school she attended The Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, later earning her masters degree. Mary’s love for education and helping students was evident her entire life. She taught in various schools in Shelby including St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart, Auburn, and Dowds for over 30 years. Throughout her life, she inspired countless students and those around her with her kindness, care, and compassion.
Mary’s love for others, both those she knew as well as complete strangers, was evident in everything she did. She found great happiness in simply connecting. Her interest in those around her was genuine, truly loving everyone as God wanted us to. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, always finding joy in their presence. After retiring, Mary stayed active by volunteering at the schools as well as delivering meals to those in need. An avid baker, Mary enjoyed sharing treats including her world famous cinnamon rolls. She also loved to travel, covering thousands of miles with her beloved husband Larry. Her most cherished trips were family vacations to Florida beaches, or exploring the country by RV with Harry and Jean Miller, children, and grandchildren.
Mary was an active long-time member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. In 2015 Mary was proud to receive her Rite of Admission into the Secular Franciscan Order and later made her permanent profession at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation. She was a member of the St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity of OFS.
Mary is survived by her children: Chris (Jen) Fike of Akron, Jen (Erik) Anderson of Galena, Michael (Shannon) Fike of Rochester Hills, MI, and Bryan (Sara) Fike of Lexington; grandchildren: Owen Fike, Aubrey Beauford, Jaxon Anderson, Travis Anderson, Anna Fike, Adam Fike, and Eli Fike; siblings: Harold (Jean) Miller, Brother Jim Miller, MSC, Kathy (Bill) Staton, Donna (Gary) Biglin, Mike (Diana) Miller, Diane (Tom) Metzger, and Debbie (Jeff) Pifher; brother-in-law: Rick Stokes; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband: Larry Fike in 2014; her second husband: Harvey Traxler in 2023; brothers: Bernard Miller, Kenneth Miller, and Bob Miller; sister: Carol Stokes; and sister-in-law: Lucy Fike.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 2-4 and 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. A prayer service will be held at the conclusion of visitation at 7 pm. Mary’s Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery at later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org/donate). Online condolences may be made on Mary’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Mary’s tribute video, click here: Mary’s tribute video.
Love and prayers for friends and family. I was in her first kindergarten class many moons ago. She was always the sweetest!
Mary was a friend to everyone she met! Mary and I taught school together when we first came to Shelby! Kindergarten was so much fun, and I was fortunate to be able to teach with my best friend! Mary knew how to live with love and kindness! She will be missed! Sending love and condolences to her family and friends!
Mary was truly one of a kind as a wife, mother , grandmother and friend. She lit up a room with her smile. Our family enjoyed the times spent in Florida when the family came on vacation. Mary was the first one to pitch in helping to prepare a meal or plan activities for the day with all our children. When we visited Ohio we were guaranteed a place to stay and fabulous meals. It was a blessing to know her. May she rest in peace !
Mary and I grew up together and were close as cousins and friends. She always had a smile on her face and totally dedicated her life to God and service to whoever she encountered. She will leave a hole in many hearts. May she rest in peace.
Condolences to the entire family
Mary was one of the kindest people I have ever met. She opened her heart to me as we shared a precious grandson, accepting David and me into her family. Always sweet and giving, she made everyone feel important and special. My prayers are with all of you as you navigate this sad loss.
Diane and family/ our hearts go out to you in the loss of Mary. Prayers for you all going heavenward today. Hugs.
Mary Fike was my first teacher ever at Auburn Elementary in kindergarten.
She was my all time favorite teacher!
I’ll never forget her singing “I’m bringing home a baby ” , I was mesmerized at her beautiful voice. I still have the Christmas ornament she gave me 55 years ago. I cherish it every year when I put it on my tree and think of her.
I am so sorry for your loss, She was an amazing person and teacher! Hugs and prayers to her family.
To the Miller Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to all the families
The best high school memories were at the Fike home playing cards and laughing around their kitchen table, with Mary in the kitchen baking something and eye rolling at our antics and Larry in the living room lounging in front of the TV. Our hearts go out to the Fike family. I have no doubt the services will be bursting with love and memories.
Mary was one of my very first teachers at Dowds in Shelby. She was a great teacher, I know, but the details of my time in 1st and 2nd grade are not what I remember most. When I think about Mrs. Fike I think about how she entered every room with a smile, and her fun, genuine spirit was palpable to everyone around her. Thankful that our paths crossed early in my life. Thoughts with her loving family during this time ❤️
May you feel God’s presence during this sad time. May your memories give you comfort and peace. Hugs to all.
We are so sorry for your Loss, she was a very Special Lady -always with a smile on her face and ready for a hug! She will be missed by ALL.Prayers to ALL of the Family
My sympathies to Mary’s whole family. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know so many of the Miller family, and everyone of you are as genuine as the next. Mary was such a joy. She was my oldest childs first grade teacher and we later volunteered in the reading program together after she retired. Her love for children never stopped. I will miss her smile and how she made everyone feel like they were her best friend!! God has a special place for her as she was the perfect example of servanthood!!
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. We shared a lot of fun times with her and Larry. Made some great memories. Rick and Bev Johnston
Mary was a beautiful and kind woman. Our prayers and Deepest Sympathy to all of Mary’s family.
Mary was my two oldest daughters teacher in grade school and formed a special bond as well as attending church at the Nazarene in Shelby. She was always a delight to visit with when we got together. My condolences to her entire family. ❤️ Cheryl
Mary always made me feel like another son each time we would make the day off drive down to Shelby to get a away from Cedar Point for a day. She always welcomed me in with open arms, a big smile and hug which is exactly what I needed during that time; I think she knew that. ❤️
My deepest condolences to her family. I graduated with Mary Jane at St. Francis and we were dear friends. I lost touch with her after a number of years. She was a kind, thoughtful compassionate woman whom I always admired. Thankfully my brother in Bucyrus forwarded her obituary to me. I am so sorry to hear of her death at a young age. May her soul and her husbands’ souls rest in peace. May peace and comfort come to you, her family, through your faith. God bless
What a terrible lose to lose Mary, a beautiful, wonderful lady and caring teacher! So sorry for her family and friends. So many have special memories of her. Keeping her family in our prayers!
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was a very special person to everyone who knew her. She always had a smile and hug every time we saw one another.
I was Mary’s Secular Franciscan formation director. She loved praying the Rosary when Kathy Lowe, Cqsey Kerr, and we were coming home from our Fraternity gatherings in Carey. She would make sure I had a Rosary and ask me to lead the prayers. We would pray an extra two decades to be a Franciscan Crown. I am enrolling Mary and her family in the Sacred Heart Association. One of the Spiritual Benefits is a daily Mass, celebrated perpetually, in the Sacred Heart Basilica in Rome. I will also remember her when I attend Sunday and weekday Masses.
I am sorry to be so late in sending our sympathy upon Mary’s passing. I did not know Mary very well until she married Harv Traxler and became our neighbor. We saw and visited with each other at exercise classes at the Senior Center in Shelby. I know Mary and Harv liked to cook, raise a big garden and can or freeze the produce. Mary had a heart of gold and took meals to one of our neighbors who was going through a tough time healthwise. She loved flowers and raised beautiful beds of zinnias at her home. I know she helped Harv when he was going through serious health problems even though she was going through a tough time herself. We are so glad that Mary’s daughter was a big help to her after Harv died. I miss her and Harv, especially when I look at the empty house where they lived. We are so glad they were in our lives. Jim and Barbara Eakins