The family of Mary M. Gilkerson of Strasburg, OH announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
Mary spent her working life as ['medical secretary for many years'] and held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
A life of faith is rarely a life of certainty — but always one of trust.
Mary M. Gilkerson, 80, a lifelong resident of Strasburg, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.She was born on November 2, 1945, in Dover, a daughter of the late Joseph and Grace DeCeuster Krantz Rhodes. Mary was also preceded in death by her husband, Roger Gilkerson, on November 20, 2015; an infant brother, John Krantz; and her step-father, Fred Rhodes.She was a 1964 graduate of Strasburg High School and retired from Dr. Blair Holder’s office in Dover, where she worked as a medical secretary for many years.Mary was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bolivar. She served on the board of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center and was active in the Strasburg Widows Group. She enjoyed traveling, particularly trips to Mexico and Hawaii as well as senior bus tours. Above all, Mary cherished her family. She took tremendous joy in her grandchildren and made it a priority to attend and follow their school events and sporting activities..She is survived by her son, Joe (Missy) Gilkerson of Strasburg; granddaughters, Emma, Ella and Ashtyn; siblings, Walter (Jenny) Krantz of Indiana, John (Peg) Krantz of South Carolina, Duck (Judy) Krantz, Patty (Duane) Stull both of Strasburg and Sue (Ray) Wallace of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Larry (Ann) Gilkerson of Brewster; and many nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Strasburg, with Deacon Lyn Houze officiating. Interment will follow in St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery, Strasburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 amMemorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1835 Dover Zoar Rd NE, Bolivar, Ohio 44612, or to the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, 425 Prospect St, Dover, Ohio 44622.
