Mary Gecowets, 71, of Vallery Road, Waverly, Ohio, died Saturday, July 23, 2016, at home surrounded by family and best friend Jenni (Wessel) Williams. She was born March 3, 1945, in Maumee, Ohio, daughter of the late William Mohr and Marion Rantz Mohr. On June 25 Mary celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband Ron Gecowets who survives. Also surviving are her children, Brad Gecowets and Maria Alvarez of Anaheim Hills, California, Matt Gecowets and wife Alicia of Waverly, Mandy Sequin and husband Jeff of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren, Max and Mason Gecowets, Justin and Kyle Alvarez, Macey, Jace, Marley and Jacob Gecowets, and Sadie Sequin; two sisters, Caroline Capper and Janet Christiansen; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Gecowets (Mary Lee) and Norm Gecowets (Jeanne). In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her in-laws, Ralph and Ruby Gecowets.
Mary attended Defiance High School, received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Miami University and her Master Degree in Counseling from the University of Dayton. Mary retired from the Waverly City Schools as a Health and Physical Education Teacher, and as a Coach in girls' basketball and softball. She later served as a Volunteer Counselor at the Crisis Center and a Trainer at the Bristol Village Fitness Center.
Among Mary's many accomplishments, she was a cheerleader, homecoming queen and National Honor Society member at Defiance High School. Mary taught school for over 30 years at Perry High School and Waverly High School combined. She was the first ever girls' softball coach at Waverly. She coached the Waverly girls' basketball team to multiple championship seasons and was even inducted into the Ohio Athletic Association's Coaches Hall of Fame. She started the P.A.W.S. organization (People Assisting Waverly Students), a peer listening group founded in the 80's which is still active today. Mary was a published author of the book "Are You Ready to Teach?"
Mary attended Calvary United Methodist Church. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and chaired the Bereavement Committee there for many years. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers' Association. She enjoyed cooking, time at Clear Lake, boating, singing, playing guitar, listening to music, watching sports, Ohio State Football, ping pong and most of all helping people. Mary will always be remembered as unselfish, good humored, tough, teacher, mentor, coach, counselor, leader and servant; a woman who touched and influenced many lives.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2016 at the Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly with Pastor David Burriss, officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery on Denver Road, Waverly. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adena Hospice Fund, Adena Health Foundation, 272 Hospital Rd., Suite 1, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.
www.botkinhornbackfuneralhomes.com

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