Mary E. Kilgore

Mary E. Kilgore, age 90, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, March 5, 2026. With a heart full of faith and a spirit full of determination, Mary lived a long and meaningful life devoted to family, church, and the simple joys that made life beautiful. Mary was born on February 26, 1936, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Kenneth M. and Mary O. Rogers. She spent many dedicated years working for Goodyear Tires and later in the Credit Department at Lazarus before retiring. A woman of deep faith, Mary was a devoted member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She joyfully served in many areas of the church, including the bell choir, nursery, and book club. Her faith guided her life, and she found great joy in fellowship, service, and sharing encouragement with others. Mary also had a lively spirit and plenty of Buckeye pride. She and her beloved husband, Hayes, were enthusiastic Ohio State fans who rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Buckeyes. When she wasn’t watching a game, Mary could often be found with a good book in hand or working on one of her many creative hobbies. She loved crocheting, crafts, and ceramics, and her hands were rarely still. Friends and family will remember her as a strong woman with a little spark of spunk, a quick smile, and a heart that always had room for others. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, H. Hayes Kilgore; daughter-in-law, Diane Kilgore; and siblings, Dwight and Phyllis Rogers.

Survived by her children, Mary Jo (Jim) Lee, Kevin “Doc” (Shelly) Kilgore, and Kyle (Linda) Kilgore; grandchildren, Jason, Jenny, Dee, Mary Ann, Brittany, Whitney and Woody; several great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, along with many other relatives and dear friends whose lives she touched. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 5:00 -7:00 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger Hilltop, 3030 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204, where a funeral service will also be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 222 Schoolhouse Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43228, in Mary’s memory.