Mary E. Dowler

Mary E. Dowler, 93, of Bucyrus died Monday afternoon, April 11, 2011 at The Inn at Orchard Park where she was the facility's first resident.

She was born July 10, 1917 in Marion to the late Harrison and Ethel (Uncapher) Shaffstall. She graduated from Nevada High School in 1935 and married Carl Etzinger on January 10, 1937. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1963. On July 15, 1971, she married Burnell "Bud" Dowler and he died on January 4, 1991.

Mary was a gifted seamstress, sewing all types of material and projects from wedding dresses to sport coats and even stuffed animals and pocketbooks. She was multi-talented with her hands, even changing brakes on cars. She took up golf in her 60's and enjoyed traveling the world with Bud before his death. An avid reader, Mary always had a number of books at hand.

Mary worked for 31 years at G.E. as a quality inspector, she often reflected on meeting future President Ronald Reagan when he visited the Bucyrus Lamp Plant in 1958. She retired in 1977. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she was in the Beta Sigma Sunday school class. She was a former member of the Women of the Moose, Elks Lodge and the Bucyrus Country Club.

Mary was very proud of her grandchildren and family. She was honored to be a distant relative of Presidents McKinley and Cleveland. She is survived by two children, Jim (Miriam) Etzinger and Carol (Jim) Stineman, both of Bucyrus; nine grandchildren, Rick (Chris) Stineman, Mike (Christy) Stineman, Vikki (Brady) Schifer, Dean (Ruth) Etzinger, Scott (Kathy) Etzinger, Steve (Mary) Louis, Glenda (Sean) Leuthold, Brenda (Richard) Myers and Rhonda (Jamie) Fox; nine great grandchildren, Austin, Taylor, Ansley, Alison, Kasey, Shelby, Andy, Savannah and John Tyler; and one sister, Leona Lane of South Bend, Ind.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Guthrie Shaffstall and sisters, Virginia Tone, Rachael Shaffstall and Caryl Bauer.

Mary will be cremated per her wishes and a memorial service held at Wise Funeral Service on Thursday, April 14 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Don L. Ebert, Jr. officiating. A private burial of ashes will be held in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to HomeCare Matters Hospice or Grace U.M.C. through the funeral home.



Service:

Thursday, April 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery