BOARDMAN — Mary Ann Rushton, 91, passed away at her residence with her family at her side. Tuesday evening, Aug. 27, 2024.
Mary Ann was born Dec. 18, 1932, in Niagara Falls, New York, a daughter of Russell and Evelyn Mellenthine MacVittie.
Mary Ann graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1950 and continued her education at the Bryant & Stratton Business Institute in New York, completing a degree in secretarial and typing coursework.
On May 16, 1953, Mary Ann wed her high school sweetheart, Gerald E. Rushton, and they celebrated 40 years of marriage until his passing, Oct. 4, 1993.
While Jerry was serving in the Army, Mary Ann worked as the secretary to the president of Ohio University, then Jerry joined her to finish his degree. Afterward, she dedicated herself as a full-time mother.
In 1959, Jerry’s career kept them in Ohio, first to Cuyahoga Falls, then Worthington, and eventually to Boardman in 1970. As her children grew older, Mary Ann returned to the workforce, serving as the office manager for Dr. Gopal Nigam for 25 years until her retirement in 1999.
Professionally, Mary Ann was a member of the American Business Women’s Association, where she was named “Woman of the Year” in 2007, receiving a letter of recognition from the Ohio House of Representatives. For many years, she also served as treasurer and achieved an impressive record of 28 years of perfect attendance. She also held a life membership with the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Her commitment to her community extended beyond her professional roles as she was a member of the board of directors of the Southwestern Run Condo Association, president of the F.O.E. #213 and member of the Saxon Club, where she recently received her 50-year member plaque. Furthermore, Mary Ann was a longtime member of Boardman United Methodist Church.
In her leisure time, Mary Ann found joy in the hobby of counted cross-stitch, creating and gifting many beautiful pieces to family and friends on occasions ranging from births to weddings and other milestones. Mary Ann was so proud when her work received the “Best of Show” award at the Canfield Fair. Some of her favorite pieces included stitching Niagara Falls and recreating scenes from the paintings of her favorite artist, Thomas Kinkade. Additionally, Mary Ann was a skilled seamstress, crafting many clothes and curtains over the years.
Her creative talents extended to poetry, often composing short poems for special occasions and reading them aloud to the attendees. An adventurous spirit, Mary Ann loved to dance, travel, cook, tend to her lovely flower gardens and feed her birds. Her knowledge of flora and fauna was quite remarkable and she could identify most that crossed her path.
Mary Ann proudly boasted, that once an adult, she never missed voting during her lifetime.
Mary Ann will be lovingly remembered for her tenacious personality and her true zest for life. She filled each day with enthusiasm and packed it full of as much adventure and activities as the day allowed. Along her way, Mary Ann always took the time to visit friends, especially the elderly, to ensure their needs were met. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds and she will be missed by many.
After the passing of her husband, Jerry, Mary Ann was fortunate enough to find love again. She is survived by her companion of 28 years, August “Gus” Merola of Boardman; her children, Cathy Pokrivnak of Youngstown, Brenda Rushton and Geary Rushton, both of Texas; sister, Janet Mondor of South Carolina; five grandchildren, Steve (Kelly) Baytos IV, Susan (John Howiler) Baytos, David (Sara) Pokrivnak, Geary (Holly) Macovitz and Brendie Wright; 12 great-grandchildren, Stephen V. and Sydney Baytos, Brandon Schmitt, Morgan Baytos, Blake and Caine Carosella, Sylvie Amicucci, Owen and Ian Macovitz, Chance and Brennica Wright, and Gene (Samantha) Oliverius. In addition, she leaves Gus’ son, whom she loved like her own, Jeff (Susan) Merola and their children, Mark (Tirzah) Merola and Katherine (Jonathan) White; Gus’ brother, Vince Merola; and niece, Annette (Kevin) Boerner, all of Texas; special nieces, Sherry (Mel) Snelling, the Rev. Debby Harness and Amy (Dave) Morgan; nephew, Jeff Rushton; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Lynn Rushton; great-granddaughter, Emily Marie Baytos; sister, Nancy Seyler; son-in-law, John Pokrivnak; and Gus’s sister and brother-in-law, Angie (Don) DeAngelis.
Family and friends will be received 4 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, where a funeral service will follow Tuesday at 6 p.m., with Pastor Jon Paul Robles of Sacred Commons Church officiating. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman.
Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions to Mary Ann’s family. The contributions will be used towards a project in her name at Fellows Riverside Gardens, where she loved visiting.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.
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