Mary Jane Fike (Traxler), age 77, of Shelby, died early Saturday morning, December 28, 2024, at the Avalon of Lewis Center surrounded by her loving family during a time of prayer.
Mary was born February 7, 1947 in Shelby, the daughter of the late Leon and Agnes (Eberl) Miller. Mary was a 1965 graduate of the St. Francis Convent in Tiffin, Ohio. After high school she attended The Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, later earning her masters degree. Mary’s love for education and helping students was evident her entire life. She taught in various schools in Shelby including St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart, Auburn, and Dowds for over 30 years. Throughout her life, she inspired countless students and those around her with her kindness, care, and compassion.
Mary’s love for others, both those she knew as well as complete strangers, was evident in everything she did. She found great happiness in simply connecting. Her interest in those around her was genuine, truly loving everyone as God wanted us to. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, always finding joy in their presence. After retiring, Mary stayed active by volunteering at the schools as well as delivering meals to those in need. An avid baker, Mary enjoyed sharing treats including her world famous cinnamon rolls. She also loved to travel, covering thousands of miles with her beloved husband Larry. Her most cherished trips were family vacations to Florida beaches, or exploring the country by RV with Harry and Jean Miller, children, and grandchildren.
Mary was an active long-time member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. In 2015 Mary was proud to receive her Rite of Admission into the Secular Franciscan Order and later made her permanent profession at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation. She was a member of the St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity of OFS.
Mary is survived by her children: Chris (Jen) Fike of Akron, Jen (Erik) Anderson of Galena, Michael (Shannon) Fike of Rochester Hills, MI, and Bryan (Sara) Fike of Lexington; grandchildren: Owen Fike, Aubrey Beauford, Jaxon Anderson, Travis Anderson, Anna Fike, Adam Fike, and Eli Fike; siblings: Harold (Jean) Miller, Brother Jim Miller, MSC, Kathy (Bill) Staton, Donna (Gary) Biglin, Mike (Diana) Miller, Diane (Tom) Metzger, and Debbie (Jeff) Pifher; brother-in-law: Rick Stokes; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband: Larry Fike in 2014; her second husband: Harvey Traxler in 2023; brothers: Bernard Miller, Kenneth Miller, and Bob Miller; sister: Carol Stokes; and sister-in-law: Lucy Fike.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 2-4 and 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. A prayer service will be held at the conclusion of visitation at 7 pm. Mary’s Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery at later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org/donate).
Online condolences may be made on Mary’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com