Mary Jane Barrick was a woman who understood that a good life was built from the simple things: faith that anchored her, family that surrounded her, friends who became like family, a good book, a lively game of Scrabble, and summers spent together at the lake. Patient, funny and devoted to those she loved, Mary found joy in being part of the lives of others and leaves behind a legacy measured in the countless memories she created with her family.
Mary, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 11, 1933, in Zanesville, Ohio, to the late Edison and Izola (Locker) Carder. She was a graduate of South Zanesville High School.
Mary began her working life as a telephone operator before her children were born. When her family came along, she made the decision to leave the workforce and devote herself to raising her children and caring for her home. Her family was always her greatest priority. Later in life, she returned to work in housekeeping at Woodside Village, where she continued her quiet, dependable way of caring for others.
Mary’s story with Harlan D. Barrick began when they met in New York City while both were attending their senior trips. Although they returned home to different Ohio communities—Mary to Zanesville and Harlan to Chesterville—they soon discovered that distance could not keep them apart. Their courtship continued through letters traveling between the two towns, and before long, it was clear they had found something special in one another.
Mary’s father was hesitant to see them marry, worried that Harlan might be drafted into the war. But the young couple could not be kept apart. They eloped to Indiana and were married on May 18, 1953. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, friendship and the outdoors. Harlan preceded Mary in death in 1987, but the years they shared remained an important and cherished part of Mary’s life.
Faith was a constant throughout Mary’s life. She was active in the Methodist Church and was a member of Chesterville Community Church. She also stood faithfully beside Harlan in his involvement with the VFW, becoming a life member of the VFW Post 5101 Ladies Auxiliary. Her faith and service were woven quietly into the life she lived and the example she set for her family.
Some of Mary’s happiest memories were made at Pleasant Hill Lake. She and her family were active members of the Loudonville Wildlife Conservation Club and spent their summers at their cabin, where boating, fishing and swimming provided the backdrop for wonderful family times. The lake became more than a favorite destination—it was a gathering place where generations of family came together and where their “lake family” became an important part of their lives. Those summers created memories Mary treasured for the rest of her life.
Mary enjoyed keeping both her mind and her sense of fun active. She loved to read, particularly historical nonfiction and fiction, and enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and board games. She was a champion at Scrabble and was always ready for a little friendly competition. She enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and game shows on television, and she had a lifelong passion for sports. She faithfully followed the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, football and golf.
Yet it was Mary’s personality that made her especially memorable. She was patient, kind and funny, possessing the sort of quiet warmth that made people comfortable in her presence. She could enjoy the simplest pleasures and had a wonderful appreciation for time spent with the people she loved. Whether gathered around a game board, relaxing at the lake, watching a favorite television program or simply visiting with family, Mary knew that the best moments in life were the ones shared with others.
She is survived by her children Jody Jackson of Johnsville, Mary K. Barrick. (Drew Kinkaid) of Oberlin, and Harlan “Spook” (Lisa) Barrick of Johnsville; 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, a sister-in-law Delores Carder, and many extended family and friends.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Mark Barrick, son-in-law James “Mike” Jackson, siblings Carl (Floreine) Carder, Hilma (Howard) Hoon, Edward Carder, Robert Carder, Florence (Robert) Duemmel and Elsie, Hazel and Helen Carder who all passed away in childhood.
Friends may call Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral service will follow at 1 pm. Burial will follow in Shauck Cemetery and Pastor David Keefer will speak.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Firefighters Association of Johnsville or the Chesterville Community Church. To leave a message of support for the family please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com