Mary Smoot Gish

Mary Smoot Gish, age 89, died peacefully on August 5, 2012, at home in Olathe, Kansas, surrounded by her family after battling lung cancer. Mary was born on December 1, 1922, in Akron, Ohio, and was the daughter of Samuel Clarence Smoot and Mildred Smoot-Henning, both deceased.

Mary graduated from Big Prairie High School. She attended Wooster Business Collegea nd graduated with her degree. After graduation, she worked at Westinghouse Corp. in Mansfield, Ohio, in the Home Economics Department under the direction of (or secretary to) Julia Keeney. She then went to work at Lumbermen's Mutual Insurance Company as the secretary to the CEO. Mary met the love of her life at Lumbermen's, James L. Gish. They married in 1953 and started their family in Mansfield, Ohio.

Mary thoroughly enjoyed sports of any kind, including playing golf and bowling. She was a huge Ohio State fan. She also loved playing bridge. She was always a spectator at sports games and events which involved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary also volunteered at Mansfield General Hospital for numerous years before relocating out of state.

Mary is survived by her husband of 59 years, James L. Gish, Sr., daughters, Linda Stevens and Judy Redmond (Ken); son James L. Gish, Jr. (Susie); five grandchildren, Lindsay, Tyler, Brandon, Rachel and Hanna; 3 great grandchildren, Chase, Travis and Julian; and nieces and nephews as well as a few additional relatives.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Thomas E. and sister-in-law Betty Smoot, and son-in-law, Robert D. Stevens.

There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Olathe Hospice.