Mary Stauffer Obituary

Mary Lou Stauffer

Sep 4, 1931 - Dec 30, 2025

Milan

Mary Lou (Fisher) Stauffer, 94, of Milan, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

She was born in Milan September 4, 1931, to Lawrence and Emma (Heckelman) Fisher. A 1949 graduate of Milan High School, Mary Lou began a lifelong love of travel after graduating, when she and two friends traveled the world. On January 25, 1964, she married Mahlon B. "Bud" Stauffer, with whom she shared many happy years.

Mary Lou was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Milan, a parish her great-grandfather helped establish. She was also a member of Milan Public Library and served on its Board of Directors.

Mary Lou worked as an administrative secretary at Norwalk Truck Lines and Milan Steel. After retirement, she and Bud enjoyed traveling to the Bahamas and Barbados, tending to their gardens and fishpond, playing bridge and pinochle, antiquing, and hosting happy hour with family and friends. Together, they owned and operated Salt Box Antiques in Milan, a business that reflected their shared love of history and community.

Mary Lou is survived by her cousins, Lucy Heckelman Joiner (Joe) of Milan, Loren Heckelman (Elena) of Virginia, Rex Heckelman (Maricela) of Texas, Curt Heckelman (Karen) of Pennsylvania, Gail Henderson of Texas, and Lynn Henderson Thompson of Texas. She is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and a loving family, as well as many dear friends, including the Russell, Drackett, Kontos, Bickley, and Neate families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Emma Fisher; her husband, Bud; her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Mary Lou Fisher; and her cousin, Loren (Braley) Heckelman.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 145 South Main Street, Milan, with Father Valerian Larawa officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Milan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 145 South Main Street, Milan, Ohio 44846; Milan-Berlin Library District, 19 East Church Street, Milan, Ohio 44846; or The Milan Museum, 10 Edison Drive, Milan, Ohio 44846.

Condolences may be shared online at grofffuneralhomes.com