Mary A. Emch, age 81, of Blissfield, passed away early Monday, January 13, 2025, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Sylvania. She was born December 24, 1943, to the late Harry John and Alice Mary (Lewis) Nichols. Mary attended Toledo Public Schools, graduating from Whitney High School. On July 3, 1978, she married C. Gary Emch in Angola, IN, and he preceded her in death on December 30, 2021. Most of her career was spent as owner/operator of Wayside General Store in Sylvania Twp, OH. She also spent over 20 years volunteering for Hospice of Lenawee. Her other jobs included working at Lake Park Nursing Home in Sylvania and an extensive real estate career.
Mary was a very giving and selfless person. She would always help anyone in need; and even in her final hours, was thinking about other people. Family meant everything to Mary. Among working her other jobs, she spent many hours taking care of her husband who was a quadriplegic and raising three daughters. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She was always asking for pictures of them and wanted to see them any time she could. In her limited free time, she was an avid reader, loved the Hallmark Channel, and greatly enjoyed going to their lake house.
Surviving are her daughters, Laurie (Jeff) Lusk, Lisa Collis, and Linda (Dave) Newell; grandchildren, Matt (Kelly) Lusk, Jeff (Samantha) Lusk, Alex Crawford, and Logan and Lindsey Newell; and great-grandchildren, Mason, Brooklyn, and Hazel Lusk. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Oliver Mason Lusk; and brother, William “Bill” Nichols.
Visitation for Mary will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:30 PM, at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home in Blissfield. Funeral services will follow at 6:30 PM, with Rev. William VanValkenberg, officiating. Interment will be private at Toledo Memorial Park on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Words of sympathy may be expressed at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be given to Hospice of Lenawee. The Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home in Blissfield is entrusted with arrangements.