Mary Jane Gearhart, 80, of Akron, Ind., passed away at 7:40 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, at her residence

She was born Aug. 7, 1933, in Peru, Ind., to George and Agnes (Shauman) Phillipy. On April 11, 1951, in Akron, she was married to Max J. Gearhart. He preceded her in death

She worked at Chamberlain Products of Akron and Singer Controls of North Manchester, Ind., as well as being a babysitter for many children and a homemaker. She was a 1951 graduate of Peru High School. She was a member of Friends of the Library. She enjoyed fishing, bird watching, feeding squirrels, mushroom hunting, bike riding and being around children.

She is survived by her daughters: Shelly Bahney, Mentone, Ind.; Melea Gearhart, Rochester, Ind.;
sons: Michael (Terry) Gearhart, Akron; Martin Gearhart, Akron; 10 grandchildren: Justin Gearhart, A’Shel Santana, Josh Bahney, Shannon Bayha, Travis Dittman Troy Dittman; twins Clayton and Matthew Gearhart; Aaron Gearhart and Cameron Gearhart; 10 great-grandchildren: twins Branigan and Victoria Bahney: Marisha and Isaiah Bahney; Madison Gearhart; Jake Gearhart; Connor Bahney; baby Max, Ella and Alex Bayha; great-great-grandchild; a sister: Dorothy; brothers: Leonard and Mack; and several nieces and nephews.

she was receded in death by her husband; her parents; sisters: Lucille; Betty; twin sisters: Torrine and Pauline; and brothers: Nelson, Joe, Donald and Robert.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday Sept. 20, at the funeral home with Pastor John Branch officiating. Burial will take place in Akron Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Gentiva Hospice or the Henry Township Fire Dept.