Mary Nelle Haffner

Mary was born on August 3, 1932, in Epworth, Ohio, to Dean and Gladys (Stevenson) Tolles. She graduated from Union Rural High School in 1950 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education, cum laude, from Ohio University in 1954.

During her time at OU, Mary was an active and engaged student. She was a proud member—and later president—of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, a member of Delta Phi Delta National Art Honorary Fraternity, and served as junior class historian on the student government committee. It was at one of these committee meetings that she met her future husband, Bill Haffner.

After graduating, Mary began her career teaching art in Cleveland, Ohio, for two years. In 1956, after Bill returned from military service, the two were married and moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Mary continued teaching art for another year before devoting herself to raising their growing family.

Mary and Bill made their home in Kettering, Ohio, for more than 40 years, where they raised four children. A devoted member of Fairmont Presbyterian Church for over 65 years, Mary taught preschool and served on various committees and in women’s ministries. She was also active in the community, enjoying her memberships at Crestwood Swim Club and the Kettering Tennis Center.

Mary’s creativity was evident in every aspect of her life—whether she was baking her famous treats, crafting stained glass pieces, planning a dinner party menu, or sewing flower girl dresses for her granddaughters. She poured her heart into her projects, including her beloved flower garden, which earned her a City of Centerville Beautification Award.

In retirement, Mary and Bill cherished their winters in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where they welcomed family and friends, creating warm, lasting memories together.

Mary will be remembered for her deep love of family, her kind and gentle nature, her creativity, and her enduring beauty—both inside and out.

Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Bill Haffner, parents Gladys and Dean Tolles; and siblings Harold (Mary Ellen) Tolles, Helen (John) Banks, Jim (Mary) Tolles, and Miriam (Jim) Crum. She is survived by her children Cindi (Gregg) Rothermund, Tracy (Dan) Lacey, Jay Haffner and Alison (Pat) Scott; grandchildren Maegan (Bryan) Ferres, Alyssa (Tyler) Kinzig, Jake (Alexandra) Rothermund, Matthew Lacey, Robby Lacey, Drew Scott and Will Scott; great grandchildren Max Ferres, Ben Ferres and Cooper Kinzig along with many nieces and nephews.

We will celebrate Mary’s life with a memorial service at Fairmont Presbyterian Church, 3705 Far Hills Ave., Kettering, Ohio, Saturday, September 6, 2025, 11:30 am. Family will greet friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Fairmont Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, American Cancer Society or Ohio Hospice of Dayton. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com