Mari Howdyshell

Mari J. Balak Matticks Tropeck Howdyshell
Doting and loving Mother and Meem to her Family. She was born in Oakdale Pennsylvania to the late Josephine and Joseph Balak, the only daughter in a family of four brothers. She attended St. Rose and New Lexington Baptist Churches.
Mari was preceded in death by her husbands, Frank Tropeck and Henson Howdyshell.

Four Children: John (Linda) Matticks of Berryville, Va, Mari Jo Matticks (Dave) Bair Grays (dec,) Nelsonville, Christine Tropeck (Rock Miller), Tarpon Springs, FL and Kristopher (Kelly) Howdyshell of Flinton, PA. 7 Step Children. Blessed by Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren.

An avid volunteer, gardner, walker, craftswoman-artist, card-player, Mari kept actively engaged in her community of birth in PA for many years as well as in Ohio. Her number one focus was Family and Friends. She made every Family Birthday and Christmas special. She personally designed and decorated our Birthday cakes as well as the Family Christmas Tree with hundreds of Ornaments on or below, which she displayed annually, along with varied seasonal decorations throughtout the year. She carried on the Family Tradition of Polka-ing, Dancing to any Music, Celebrating Life, Hanky-Waving, Strong Women and Pesistant Hugging. Mari completed her Bucket List, which included Touring Europe and London, Dancing the Polka on her 80th Birthday, and living long enough to see all her grandchildren born.
A tomboy in her youth, with sentimental yet competitive spirit, she Loved to Play and Play to Win. She prayed for personal peace, and considered that gift one of her Greatest Blessings (The Serenity Prayer).

Past President of New lexington Elementary PTA, Girl Scout Leader for 5 years, Clerk of Pike Township for over 10 years, member of New Lexington Carnation Chapter of the Eastern Star, Charter Member of New Lex Lady Elks Lodge #509 (BPOE) Ladies Auxiliary and 2 years as Madam President, New Lexington Eagles #2070 and served as secretary and 3 years as Madam President. Member of Zanesville BIBC over 30 years abd Director for several years, member of the Women's National 600 Bowling Assoc. since 1958, Office Manager for Dr. Goldhaber and Dr. Stone for over 14 years.

MUM/MOTHER/MA/MEEM/MARI, AS YOU TAUGHT US, THOUGH the MILES BE FAR, WE WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU EVER IN OUR HEARTS and ON OUR MINDS, AS YOU ALWAYS KEEP US IN YOURS. YA CHE LU BIEN! XO XO PSALM 23.

Calling hours will be held on Fridy, September 14, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Burial will follow in New Lexington Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Fairhope Hospice & Palliative Care, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mari Howdyshell, please visit our floral store.