AKRON – Mary Jane Gearhart, 80, of 121 Marcus Drive, Akron, died at 7:40 a.m. Sept. 17, 2013, at her residence. She was born on Aug. 7, 1933, in Peru, to George and Agnes Shauman Phillipy. On April 11, 1951, in Akron, she married Max J. Gearhart, who preceded her in death June 9, 2001. She worked at Chamberlain Products of Akron and Singer Controls of North Manchester, as well as being a babysitter for many children and a homemaker. She was a 1951 graduate of Peru High School. She was a member of Friends of the Library. She enjoyed fishing, bird watching, feeding squirrels, mushroom hunting, bike riding and being around children. Surviving are two daughters, Shelly Bahney, Mentone, and Melea Gearhart, Rochester; two sons, Michael (and spouse Terry) Gearhart, and Martin Gearhart, all of Akron; 10 Grandchildren: Justin Gearhart, A'Shel Santana, Josh Bahney, Shannon Bayha, Travis Dittman, Troy Dittman, twins Clayton and Matthew, Aaron and Cameron Gearhart; 10 great-grandchildren: twins Branigan and Victoria, Marisha and Isaiah Bahney, Madison Gearhart, Jake Gearhart, Connor Bahney, baby Max, Ella and Alex Bayha; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Dorothy; two brothers, Leonard and Mack; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by four sisters: Lucille, Betty, and twin sisters Torrine and Pauline; four brothers: Nelson, Joe, Donald and Robert. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor John Branch officiating. Burial will be in Akron Cemetery. Calling will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Gentiva Hospice or the Henry Township Fire Dept. Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
