Mary Lou Wilkins

Mary Lou Wilkins, 89, of Milford Center, Ohio, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Mary was born December 29, 1936, in McArthur, Ohio, to Flora Mae and Jacob Bartoe. She was one of seven children. Her parents and six siblings — Jacob Bartoe, Wesley Bartoe, Gerald Bartoe, Regina McKnight, Lucille Bartoe, and Lola DePue — all preceded her in death.

After taking secretarial courses in high school, Mary continued her education at Bliss College in Columbus, where she met Gerald Lee “Jerry” Wilkins. Mary remembered Jerry as intelligent, dependable, and steady. Their first date was an automobile race, and their relationship grew into a marriage and a life centered on family. Mary and Jerry were married at Morgan Memorial Methodist Church in Columbus and raised four children — Cheryl, Rhonda, Deidre, and Darryl. They shared 68 years of marriage.

Family was at the center of Mary’s life. She was a wonderful cook, and Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday. She especially enjoyed the simple times when the family was together and took great pride in the family she and Jerry had built.

Mary also had an adventurous side. Over the years, she enjoyed family trips to the beach, Europe, Alaska, and Cancun. She went parasailing with her granddaughter and, at age 80, went skydiving with her grandson — experiences that reflected her willingness to embrace life and try something new.

Mary faced difficult seasons with strength and determination. She survived cancer twice before facing bladder cancer. She also devoted many years to caring for Jerry as his needs increased, faithfully caring for him until he moved to assisted living.

Near the end of her life, she described Jerry as a loving husband and a great provider. She remained deeply devoted to him.

Mary’s faith was an important part of her life. Looking back, she said that “God was at the helm.” Her message to her family was simple: “He is always there for you.” She hoped to be remembered as a woman of her word, someone who loved her family well, and someone who had run the race the best she could. She was especially proud of raising her family in what she described as “a sphere of love.”

Mary is survived by her husband, Gerald Lee “Jerry” Wilkins; her children, Cheryl McCaffery, Rhonda Haferman (Stephen), Deidre Deam (Steve), and Darryl Wilkins (Jackie); her grandchildren, Heather, Shawn, Rachel, Jared, Brianna, Nathan, Garrett, Bryson, Alyssa, Courtney, and Devin; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017 with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery, 6959 W Broad St, Galloway, OH 43119.