Mary H. Stonehill, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, following a brief illness.
Mary, 79, of Elida was born in Lima, Ohio on December 1, 1946, to the late Robert J. and Donna L. (Winter) Pohlabel. She was a lifelong resident of the Lima area, having lived in Lima, Cridersville and Elida. She was a 1964 graduate of Lima Senior High School.
Mary married William R. Stonehill on May 7, 1967. They shared 51 wonderful years together before his passing in 2018.
Outside of her devotion to her family, Mary was a legendary figure in the West Central Ohio real estate community. For decades, she brought an unmatched work ethic to her career as a realtor in the Greater Lima and Elida areas, working with prominent local agencies including Yocum Realty and Superior PLUS Realtors. Mary cemented her place in the real estate community by being the first agent to sell five houses in a single day. Her exceptional drive earned her the prestigious Ohio Association of REALTORS President’s Sales Club “Million-Dollar Producer” award for 7 consecutive years from 1985 - 1991.
When she wasn’t busy with clients, Mary poured her heart into her favorite hobbies. She was an outstanding cook, known for her strawberry pies and spaghetti. Mary loved creating scrapbooks and watching Perry Mason. She loved to shop and took great joy in curating various collections including Department 56, dolls, and other treasures over the years. Mary also enjoyed the fellowship of her community as a long-standing member of the Lima Eagles. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her precious great-granddaughter, Sarah M. Stonehill.
Mary is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly A. Middleton of Tacoma, Washington and Donna J. Stonehill of Lima; two grandsons, Preston J. Stonehill and Arthur L. Middleton; and her great-granddaughter, Sarah. She also leaves behind two sisters, Donna M. Smith and Elaine A. Mason, both of Lima. She is further survived by her dear friend, Vonda Switzer; nieces: Cindy Riffle, Chris Smith, Carol Downing and Amy Coughenour; and nephews: Dan Smith, Joe Albridge, Eric Pohlabel and David Pohlabel; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, William, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn K. Smith; brother, Robert L. Pohlabel; sisters-in-law, Cecelia M. Pohlabel, and Joyce A. Pohlabel; brothers-in-law: Oliver H. Smith, Donald H. Smith and J.D. Mason; niece, Julie Smith; and nephews: Gary Smith, Mark Smith and Andy Albridge.
There will be a private graveside service at a time yet to be decided. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.
Bonnie Buehl (Henderson)
Mary Helen Pohlabel was my constant summer companion from grades 4 thru 8 (Faurot Elem and Central Jr. High) while both our parents worked. The earlier summers we played "school" with other neighbor girls on her front porch and played girl games and dress-up in her back yard. During the summers after 7th grade, we discovered boys and were naughty and sneaked off on our bikes to go swimming at Schoonover Pool twice a month. We'd swim then played the juke box, drink sodas and fast-danced with boys to Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers' songs. Before we'd leave on those long bike treks, Mary would fix us each 2 fried egg & ketchup sandwiches. We always made it home by 5:30 and never told her parents we biked that far from home. But on our last trek in early Aug after the 8th grade, her parents were on to us when Mary's natural blonde hair took on a slight greenish tint from the chlorine. They grounded her and called my mom. I fessed up that I also danced with boys. It was decided that we weren't allowed to be together the rest of the summer. Mary Helen was such fun to be with. She helped me get rid of my shyness. My family moved to the South Jr. High area right before 9th grade began. She and I made other friends and we lost touch after that. But I always cherished those carefree summers together.