Mary Henterly

Mary Barbara Plageman Henterly, 100, died peacefully at her home in Worthington on February 5, 2023. Her family was with her when her long life on earth came to an end. Mary “Barb” was the eldest child of Lee and Mary Bentz Plageman. Barb is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 74 years, John Richard Henterly; brother Robert Plageman, sister- in- law Ellen Plageman, and soninlaw Ranjit Gupta. She is survived by her six children, Nancy Gupta, Akron; Eileen (Larry) Fisher, Corpus Christi, Texas; Patricia Feerick, Columbus; Mary Barbara Henterly (Doug Vanscoy) Tacoma, Washington; Thomas (Nancy) Upper Arlington and Judith (Bruce) Jones, Upper Arlington; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, her brother-in-law Ted Henterly and many nieces and nephews. Barb was born and raised in Akron where she attended Saint Martha grade school, North High School, and the University of Akron, where she began her long affiliation with the Theta Phi Alpha Sorority. She and Jack were married in 1943 just prior to Jack’s tour of duty with the United States Army during World War II. Barb endured many anxious days waiting for news from Jack or from newspaper accounts of the war, wondering where he was fighting and if she would see him again. After the war, Barb and Jack started their family, eventually raising five daughters and one son. She loved to spend time with her large family, always trying to keep up with the details and accomplishments of three generations of young people. She last gathered with her family to celebrate her 100th birthday in December. Barb was always willing to offer loving suggestions and assistance to everyone in her family.

Barb worked as a secretary in the Washington, DC area and spent several years as a typist for the Federal Government. She was involved with Bible study groups and community groups, including the League of Women Voters. Barb’s life revolved around her family and her faith. She was a devout Catholic whose love of the Lord was lifelong and heartfelt. Barb was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Columbus where she and Jack were active in parish life. She will be missed by her family and friends as she was an inspiration to many, demonstrating love, endurance, perseverance, wit and devotion everyday of her long life. Barb’s family would like to offer sincere thanks to the staff at Willow Brook Christian Home on Lazelle Road for the care and comfort Barb received while living there. Thanks also to the staff at Promedica Hospice Care for their professionalism and compassion. Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Rutherford-corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 684 S. Third Street, Columbus, Ohio on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at a later date at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Requiescat in pace