Mary L. Elsass, 81, New Knoxville, Ohio, died 4:08 A.M. Friday, October 30, 2015, at the Saint Marys Living Center.

She was born July 5, 1934, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, the daughter of Wilbur and Matilda (Kuck) Kiefer. She married Richard Elsass on June 26, 1954, at the First United Church of Christ in New Knoxville, and he survives at the residence.

She is also survived by her three sons: Bruce Elsass of Woodbury, Connecticut; Tad Elsass of Saint Marys; and Rusty Elsass of New Knoxville. She is survived by her siblings Rolland Kiefer of Saint Marys; Betty Kiefer of Deland, Florida and Don Kiefer of Salisbury, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by a sister, June Kiefer.

Mary was a 1953 graduate of New Knoxville High School. She was a homemaker and the owner of Elsass Haus Gift Shop in New Knoxville.

Mary was a very talented person who loved to entertain and decorate. She was well known for her annual "Friends and Neighbors Garden Party," and for her beautiful Christmas decorations and cookie parties. Mary enjoyed making decoupage memory boards and ceramics, and she loved family gatherings.

For many years she collected funds to benefit the American Cancer Society, and she was a member of the First Church of New Knoxville. She loved New Knoxville Ranger athletics, and one year was named Fan of the Year. She was a member of the New Knoxville Historical Society. Mary will be remembered for her outgoing, friendly personality.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at the First Church of New Knoxville, the Reverend Beth Ernest, officiant. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Monday in the Ministry Center of the First Church of New Knoxville, where memorial donations may be given to the New Knoxville Historical Society or the Radio Broadcast Fund of the Church.

Condolences may be sent to Mary's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.