Mary Hanlin

Mary Hanlin will be remembered for her kind, caring nature. She kept her family in the center of her heart, and each day she tried to bring joy into the lives of the many people she loved. Mary was a devoted caregiver who was happiest when she was nurturing and sustaining her deeply beloved family.

In the year 1912 America was a much smaller country, with a union of just forty-six states and only ten miles of paved road. In Fairfield County, Ohio, Homer Hedges and his wife Rachel Hutchinson eagerly awaited the birth of their third child, and on July 3, 1912 they welcomed Mary their home on Dawes Farm.

The third of five children, Mary grew up on the family farm in Fairfield County with the company of her sisters Helen and Doris and her brothers Walter and Carl. Even at a young age, Mary demonstrated a talent for care-giving. She loved to look after the farm and tend to her siblings, and after the tenth grade she left high school to commit herself fully to these tasks.

On April 20, 1930 Mary married her childhood friend Arthur Hanlin. The newlyweds settled in Hammond, Indiana where Mary quickly took on the responsibility of caring for Art and their home. She honed her skills as a cook and baker and began gardening, which would become a lifelong hobby for her. In the mid-1930's the Hanlins moved to Portage, where Art began working for Consumers Power, and joined the congregation of Vicksburg United Methodist Church.

Mary was a firm mother who demanded nice manners in her children but never disciplined them in the tones of anger or complaint. Her elder child Richard was born on May 10, 1931 in Hammond. A natural caregiver, Mary quickly adapted to her new responsibilities as a mother. On November 14, 1939 their daughter Nila was born in Portage. Mary kept both of her children at the center of her life, and as they grew older she became more and more involved as a volunteer at their schools. She also worked for many years in the nursery at Airway Lanes Bowling Alley.

In 1970 Mary and Art built their retirement home on TU Avenue, where they continued to live for the rest of their lives. In her later years, Mary was pleased to see her family grow with the births of several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If she had been asked what her hobbies were, Mary likely would have answered, "Caring for my family; my grandchildren and my great grandsons are my pride and joy."

As Mary grew older, she continued to excel in the kitchen. She was especially known for her Saturday routine of making homemade bread and fresh noodles. Her gorgeous flower gardens earned acclaim among her family and neighbors, and each summer Nila helped cut and sell her beautiful Gladiolas.

Mary will be remembered for her undefeatable optimism. She was a happy, upbeat woman who never complained or acted in anger. She was only truly sad when a family member died. Even in her final days at Kairos Dwelling, Mary never said a negative word, even though she was in extreme discomfort. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, Mary will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Mary died peacefully with her loving family by her side on December 10, 2005 at Kairos Dwelling. Learn more about Mary and visit with her family and friends Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg Location. Funeral Services for Mary will be private. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Arthur in 1997, her brothers Walter and Carl Hedges and her sisters Helen Provost and Doris Woolard. Members of Mary's family include her son Dr. Richard Hanlin of Georgia, her daughter Nila Nichols of Vicksburg, her grandchildren Maria Hanlin of Arizona, Jan Hanlin & Aaron Nakayama of Hawaii, Allen & Roxanne Hanlin of Virginia, Jeff & Pam Nichols of Vicksburg, Denise & Gary Blanchard of Plainwell, great-grandsons Jeffery and Justin Nichols, Josh and Derek Blanchard and many nieces and nephews. Please visit Mary's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory, sign the guestbook, or make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers to Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice or Vicksburg United Methodist Church.