Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Mary Nell (Yates) Milliron

After enduring a long journey with the dreaded disease, Alzheimer’s, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 5:42 am, Mary took her last breath on Earth and ascended to the heavenly throne to eternally be with her beloved Lord, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Martha (Deel) Yates, and her son, Mark Milliron.

Mary was born in Clintwood, Virginia on February 18th, 1935. Her family moved to Mansfield when she was in the third grade. She attended school in the Madison School District. Those were happy days and years where she met lifelong friends. While attending high school, she was a class officer, member of the National Honor Society, worked on committees for school dances and the Senior Prom. She also had the honor of being the first Madison Track Queen.

When she was a sophomore, she started dating Grant Milliron, her high school sweetheart. She graduated in the Spring of 1953 and married Grant on October 12th of that same year. They have been married for 67 years.

That union brought together two lives, and new purposes in life and something to live for. A year later, Mary gave birth to her first child. With that birth, she discovered her purpose and a reason for living- Motherhood. She brought six other healthy children into the world. Her style of motherhood never changed. She always maintained her pleasant personality with graciousness and loving kindness with a beautiful smile. It was that kindness which demonstrated the positive values in their lives. Her children always felt and knew they were unconditionally loved by their mother. Even in her final days, she still continued to give us her loving kindness, her beautiful smile, and she never forgot the words, “Thank you.”

Another important part of Mary’s life included building their dream home. She soon acquired the talent of home decorating. Each room reflected her personality, which was warm and inviting. She was quite the chef at preparing amazing holiday meals for her family. She had a knack of making everything so special and memorable. Home and family were everything to Mary.

Mary’s interests included being a member of the Main St. United Methodist Church. Her favorite task was helping serve the monthly meal to strangers in need, and she welcomed the opportunity to meet and talk with the guests. Other interests she enjoyed were caring for her potted flowers. She also savored traveling experiences both in this country and abroad that gave her the opportunity to see God’s wondrous creation. One of her favorite trips was the Redwood Forest. She enjoyed Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Germany- to witness the diversity of the landscape and learn about the different cultures.

A pinnacle of her life was when the family had a one-on-one conversation with President George W. Bush at the Renaissance Theatre in 2004. He looked at Mary, and said, “Wow, you look like my mother, Barbara!” She smiled, and took that as a great compliment. Two months later, she attended a reception, as a guest of the President and his wife, Laura Bush, at the White House for the Christmas Tree Lighting event.

Mary’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her devotion to God, family, all of His creation and kindness to all, her compassion, conversation and deeds, and most of all, her beautiful smile and kind personality, will never be forgotten.

Surviving children include Cyndy Hursh, Karen (Steve) Kleer, JR (Teresa) Milliron, Marsha (Jeff) Devito, Karl (Jill) Milliron, and Kate (Ken) Hlad who provided her with 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

There will be a private Celebration of Life ceremony for family and invited guests at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Public calling hours and visitation will not be observed. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Main St. United Methodist Church, 230 S. Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902, Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805, or a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Appropriate ways to express sympathy may be done by leaving an online condolence on Mary’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on her post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.

To view Mary’s tribute video, follow this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GKMNP7YBG755KN6T

Memories & Condolence

  1. Shannon Jose says:

    My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful, wonderful person.

  2. Amy Brown says:

    Cindy and Family,

    So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Treasure your memories and her beautiful smile.

  3. Mindy Utz says:

    My deepest condolences.

  4. Terri Perry says:

    Cyndy and family,

    So sorry for your loss. When I think about your Mom I always see that beautiful smile. May the Lord comfort you all and bring you peace.

  5. Scott Kurtzman says:

    My thoughts and prayers go to the entire Milliron family. I know it has been difficult these past few years with your Mom, but she is in a much better place. Mary never met a stranger and was always accommodating. My family has very fond memories of the entire Milliron family and what you have done for our family over the years. May she Rest In Peace.

  6. Julie and Ken Ensman says:

    To all of Mary’s family we pray for you all and are thinking of you at this time.

  7. Sheila Biglin says:

    Cyndy, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I was so sorry to hear of your moms passing. My thoughts are with you at this sad time

  8. Edna Karnes says:

    Dear Kate and family,
    So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I pray you are blessed with many precious memories in the days to come. She sounded like a wonderful lady, mother, wife and grandmother. God bless you.

  9. Deb Cornell Brizzi says:

    My heart is breaking right now. Many wonderful memories, and a privilege growing up with your family. Many thoughts and prayers going up for the family. May her memory be eternal. Chris and Deb Brizzi, and Barbara Cornell

  10. Audrey Cook says:

    My sincere sympathy to the entire family. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know Mary a little bit. She was a beautiful person, so sweet. The love she had for her family was so obvious, even in her illness. Love to all of you

  11. Nancy and Clarence Ousley says:

    Kate and family, So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a very kind and sincere person. Love and prayers to all of you

  12. Lorna and Todd Albert says:

    To the Milliron family,
    Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Mrs. Milliron. She was a very sweet lady and will be missed by you all so much. Our thoughts and prayers with the entire family.

  13. Ellen Gerich says:

    We have so many wonderful memories of Mary from Main St. She was a warm and gracious lady. May the Lord comfort each of you and give you His peace.

  14. Durk Milliron says:

    Grant and Family, so sorry for your loss. I lost my father and mother . I lost my Mother in Law to Alzheimer’s and it is hard on the family to cope. May she rest in peace. God bless your families.
    Durk and Anne Milliron

  15. Allison Shatzer says:

    We are so very sorry for your loss and will continue to keep the entire family in our thoughts and prayers! She raised some amazing children!!!!

  16. Tanya Hartings says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss please know you’re in my prayers!

  17. Linda Loughman Miller says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family

  18. Jim Alexander says:

    All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  19. Lorraine says:

    Cyndy, Danny and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will always remember how your Mom made me feel so welcome in your home. She was beautiful inside and out. I remember her warm smile….

  20. Diane Jones says:

    Karl and Jill,
    I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Karl’s mother. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Diane Jones

  21. Earl Weber says:

    Grant

    Our Deepest Sympathy….Thoughts To You And Your Family During This Difficult Time

    From Your Friends At Garden Street Iron & Metal, Inc.

  22. Dan & Cindy Billheimer says:

    Mary was an amazing lady. Always had a smile on her face. Your family will be in our prayers. May the wonderful memories fill your hearts. May God comfort you during this time.

  23. Barb Poffenbaugh says:

    Mary Milliron certainly brought such joy to my life as well as our family.
    I met Mary at Main Street United Church many, many, wonderful years ago and Mary was truly sunshine each time we spent time together. Mary always made me feel special with her warmth and kindness. What a smile!
    Blessings to your family-thank you to your family for sharing your home and your Mom. We are so sorry for your loss-
    Love to you all-Barb Poffenbaugh and family

  24. Glenn Shock says:

    Grant I am so sorry to see that your wife passed I will have you and your family in prayer. May the LORD give you and your family strength to endure this hard ship For Sure she is in a better place. Glenn Shock

  25. Karen Hagerman says:

    Our Deepest Sympathy Grant to you and your family for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Blessings, Steve & Karen Hagerman and Richard Hagerman

  26. Sallie says:

    Marsha, So very sorry for your loss ! May God bless and keep you and yours! Sallie from Class of 76

  27. Debbi Fromm Watkins says:

    I am sorry for your loss. A beautiful woman here on earth and even more beautiful in Heaven, watching over each of you.

  28. Janet & Bill Kehres says:

    The Milliron family is in our thoughts and prayers. We did not know Mary very well, but the loving care that Grant gave her showed so much love between the two. She is smiling down on her family now and is in a wonderful place. May God Bless your family.

  29. Chris and Dave DeVito says:

    Our deepest sympathy to you Marsha and Jeff and the entire family. Such a wonderful lady.

  30. Vicky and Johnny Walker says:

    We want to send you and family our deepest condolences. You all will be in our prayers.

  31. Pam Napier Roark says:

    To the Milliron Family…so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. She was one of the kindest, classiest lady I have ever known. She had the most beautiful smile. Whenever we talked it was so obvious about how much she loved her family. Heaven has gained a true Angel

  32. Julie Lewis says:

    Grant and Family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. She had such an elegance about her. I will cherish my memory of her always. My Love and hugs to all of you. Julie Lewis

  33. Bill and Jenny Anspach says:

    So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories and knowing your mom is in a better place and at peace.

  34. Dan and Michelle Ebersole says:

    Our sincerest condolences for the entire Milliron Family! Mary was such a wonderful person she will be missed by so many people. Wish there were magical words that made things all better but know we are praying for peace and comfort for you all!

    R I P beautiful lady until we meet again God Bless

  35. Cheryl Cronbaugh says:

    I am so sorry for your loss and yet Mary is free to dance in Heaven. My father struggled with Alzheimer’s for 5 years so I know the journey to this point. May your hearts be at peace.

  36. Dan Phillip says:

    To Grant and family. We at the Transformation Network wanted you to know that we mourn your loss but take comfort in knowing she is with her Heavenly Father and free from disease. Blessings to you through this tough time and we pray that the great memories you have will be fresh in your mind and in your hearts.

  37. Lois Robertson says:

    Please know that many caring thoughts are with you during this difficult time. With love and sympathy.
    Dan and Lois

  38. Melanie Rodgers says:

    Marsha, Jeff and Milliron family,
    So very sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
    Melanie and Jerry Rodgers

  39. Sherry Branham says:

    I have warm memories of Mary that I have carried with me and recalled over the years. May God hold her in his loving embrace. Condolences to the Milliron family. Knowing Grant and Karl I am sure Mary’s memory will be carried on through them and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Mary.

  40. McKinley Jewell says:

    Our deepest Condolences, McKinley (Bill) and Darlene Jewell. In 1958 I worked for Milliron and a car exploded on me and she rubbed cream on me before I drove to the hospital. I never blistered or burned thanks to her kindness. I will never forget the kindness of Mary and Grant.

  41. Norman Jones says:

    On behalf of the Ohio State Mansfield campus, please allow me to express my sincere condolences. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  42. Pam Napier Roark says:

    So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom . She was one of the kindest classiest ladies I have ever known. She had a beautiful smile!!! Heaven has gained a wonderful Angel.

  43. Arlene (Bigelow) Hatten says:

    I am sorry for your loss Mary was a great lady and a mentor to all the neighborhood children she taught me how to swim at the weekly pool party’s she would have lots of fond memories prayers for all.

  44. Joann and Jim Hipsher says:

    Cyndy, Karen and Family
    Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother. We hope your happy memories will give you strength in the difficult days ahead.
    Her family is her legacy. She was a giver and our town and surrounding communities have been touched by the generosity of your mother and father.

  45. Cathy Dodge says:

    To all of the Milliron family, so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  46. Chase Eyster says:

    Condolences to the entire Milliron family, who will treasure their precious memories of Mary and carry on her legacy of kindness and caring.

  47. JOHN Schroeder says:

    We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the entire Milliron family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    John and Angel Schroeder

  48. Karen Watts says:

    To Cyndy and the Milliron family,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Your mother Mary was a beautiful soul and always made everyone feel like part of her family.
    May God bring you comfort and peace today and in the days ahead. RIP Mary
    Karen Watts (Bird)

  49. Cassandra Mayer says:

    Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Your family has been a beacon and a rock for the local community and it is clear that it was supported and nurtured by Mary. My prayers are with your family.

  50. Beth Terman says:

    So very sorry to the Milliron family for your loss. I did not know Mary, but certainly wish I had. She led a wonderful life on earth and raised some terrific children. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
    Beth(Young) and Randy Terman

  51. Deb and Tess Love says:

    We are so sorry for your loss…our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time…

  52. Linda Wilson says:

    To Marsha and Jeff, and the Milliron family. Holding you in my heart and thoughts for the loss of your mother Mary. She was a kind and sweet woman. I have fond memories of the times she babysat my kids when they were little. Thinking of you in the coming days.

  53. Ontario Mechanical says:

    Grant, So very sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers are with you and your family.

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