Mary Lou Babcock

On November 27, 1953, Mary Lou married the love of her life, Charles F. Babcock, who survives her.

Mary Lou devoted many years to serving the Muskingum School District as a cook, and later worked with Head Start until her retirement. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Coshocton and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid puzzler, she could spend hours piecing together even the most intricate designs. She also loved tending to her flowers, cooking and baking for those she cared about, sewing, and collecting owls.

Above all, Mary Lou dedicated her life to her family, especially to Charles, whom she lovingly kept “on the straight and narrow” for more than seven decades. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 72 years, Charles Babcock of Coshocton; her children, Dave (Barbara) Babcock of West Lafayette, Debra Taylor of Coshocton, and Kelly (Max) Donaker of Warsaw; her son-in-law, Dwayne Ringo of Crosby, Texas; her grandchildren, Christina Hill, Candy Wentz, Braden Babcock, Nicholas Shaw, Valerie Shaw, Cortney Hubbard, and RC Rice; as well as many great-grandchildren and some great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Wilkinson, along with several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Florence Severance; her daughter, Rhonda Ringo; her grandson, Rob Taylor; her brother, Donald Severance; and her sisters, Margaret Collins and Betty Cox.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM with Pastor Lloyd Tenney officiating. Burial will be held at South Lawn Cemetery after the funeral.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Mary Lou’s name to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.