Mary Freisthler

December 4, 1935 — January 24, 2026

Mary Elizabeth (Goubeaux) Freisthler passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Ohio's Hospice of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio.

Born in Russia, Ohio, to the late Emanuel and Elizabeth (Francis) Goubeaux, Mary graduated as Valedictorian from Russia Local School in 1953.

On a snowy day, February 5, 1955, Mary married the love of her life, William "Bill" Freisthler. They first lived in Botkins before making their home in Russia in 1962 to raise their four children. Mary was a woman of many passions: she loved gardening; fishing; and the lively community found in square dancing, bowling, and spirited games of Bid Euchre.

Together, Mary and Bill instilled in their children the values of a strong faith in God, integrity, hard work, a sound mind and body, and a passion for life. After retiring, they enjoyed traveling, sightseeing, shopping, and attending theater shows. Following Bill's passing in 2007, Mary moved to Dayton to be closer to family, remaining active by calling bingo and serving on committees in her senior living communities.

Above all, Mary loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her large extended family. Her strong faith in God, quick wit, and love for experiencing life will be remembered by many. She embodied the very best of qualities—integrity, serving those less fortunate, and a resilient spirit—and her legacy continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Gerald "Gerry" (Cherie) Freisthler of Niceville, FL; Stephen "Steve" (Deb) Freisthler of Belton, MO; Nancy (William) Turner of Beavercreek, OH; and Paul (Robin) Freisthler of Sugarcreek Township, OH. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and her sister-in-law, Lois (Mark) Monnin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; her siblings Donald (Ann) Goubeaux, Francis (Joyce) Goubeaux, Hilda (Elmer) Larger, and RoseAnn Goubeaux; and her in-laws Gene (Betty) Freisthler, Howard (Margaret) Freisthler, and Ruth (Don) Morelock.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia, Ohio; Rev. Fr. James Reutter, celebrant. Interment will follow immediately at St. Remy Cemetery.

Following the burial, the family invites guests to a luncheon and celebration of Mary’s life at the Catholic War Veterans (CWV) Hall located at 2444 Kelch Road, Russia, Ohio.

The family will receive guests on Friday, January 30, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Random Acts of Christian Kindness (RACK) in Russia, Ohio.

Please visit www.zecharbailey.com to share fond memories or expressions of sympathy with the Freisthler family.