Mary E. Gill

Mary passed peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at the age of 100.

Born on January 15, 1917 to Louis and Anna (Bayer) Thouvenin in Canton, Ohio, she was the oldest of three children. Her brother, Louis Thouvenin, passed away in 2013 (91 years old). Her sister, Anna Austin, will be celebrating her 100th birthday next year. Growing up, her parents instilled in her a strength that she endured throughout her life.

Mary attended Sunny Side School, a one room school house, and graduated from Canton Township High School. Throughout her childhood, she enjoyed going to square dances, playing the piano, winning at cards, sledding and getting involved in the county fair.

Mary married Ralph Gill (deceased in 1987) on November 4, 1936. They resided in the Canton area where they raised their six children: Dorothy (Charles “Sonny”) Monter of Alliance; Rosemary Smucker of Smithville; Elizabeth Jane (Leslie) Smeller of Canton; Richard (Rita) Gill of Smithville; Edward (Judy) Gill of Creston; and Ralph (Kristi) Gill Jr. of Wooster. Mary has 19 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Ralph and Mary farmed in both the Canton and Creston areas. Mary always grew a beautiful garden which she readily shared with others. She delivered eggs to several of the local restaurants, raised Collie dogs and loved her pony, Nellie.

With 35 years of service, Mary worked as a school crossing guard for the city of North Canton. She received the North Canton Citizen of the Year Award in 1999 and 2000. Many of the children who crossed the street with her were second generation students.

She spent the last several years living in Wooster to be with her family due to the onset of dementia. Her devoted cat, Sylvester, was always by her side.

She had a hard work ethic, giving heart and an unwavering belief in her God. Mary will leave a legacy that will always be cherished.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul's Catholic Church in North Canton (241 S. Main St.) on Monday, July 24 at 11am. Friends may call Monday, July 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be contributed to either The North Canton Heritage Society, 185 Ream Street NW, North Canton, OH 44720 or sent to Lifecare Hospice, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691. All donations should be noted “In Memory of Mary E. Gill”.