Mary E. Strickler 90, of Decatur, passed away Saturday November 8, 2025 at Adams Woodcrest. She was born on Aug 28, 1935 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Floyd L. and Anaple L. (Cummings) Grandstaff. On May 15, 1954 she married Robert A. Strickler.
Mary was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Decatur. She was very active in the life of the church serving as Secretary, Treasurer, was on the church board and sang in the choir. Mary was employed at North Adams Community Schools as an English teacher retiring in 2002. After her retirement she continued to substitute teach for 15 additional years. Teaching was her passion, she developed the gifted and talented class at North Adams, was the chair of the English department and was a member of PSI IOTA XI Sorority.
She is survived by her husband Robert Strickler, two sons Steven A. (Kathy) Strickler of Amelia, OH., Scott J. (Brenda) Strickler of Decatur; two daughters, Diane S. (Terry) Zeser of Decatur, and Jill M. (John Gullion) Strickler of Lillington, NC. 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson Corey Shaffer, and a sister Nola Isch.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday November 11, 2025 from 3:00-4:00 pm at Adams Woodcrest Porter Auditorium and from 5:00-7:00 pm at Haggard Hirschy and Zelt Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday November 12, 2025 at Zion United Church of Christ in Decatur, with calling one hour prior from 9:30-10:30 am. Rev. Allen Kahler will be officiating.
Burial will take place at the Decatur Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Zion United Church of Christ Music Department.
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