Mary Jane Nevius, 89, of Tiffin, passed away Tuesday morning, May 10, 2011 at Elmwood assisted living in Fremont.

On September 5, 1921 in Tiffin, she was born to Edward and Blanche (Talley) Staib. She married Benjamin L. Nevius on June 6, 1942 in St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Survivors include her son, David (Mary Kay) Nevius of Oak Harbor; 2 grandchildren, Kristen Tack and David Nevius; 4 great grandchildren, Katelyn Tack, Hannah and Natalie Nevius, and Tom Tack.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 43 years, Benjamin, brother, Francis Staib, and a grandson, Kraig Nevius on February 24, 1972.

Mary was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary Rosary Altar Society and a 1939 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School. She worked as an operator for Ohio Bell in Tiffin for 36 years and became chief operator in 1965, later retiring in 1979. She was union president, member of the Ohio Bell Speakers Bureau, Ohio Bell Pioneers, Tiffin Glass Collectors, Garden Club, and a charter member/founder of the Altrusa Club.

A pioneering woman of her era and a member of the greatest generation, she led a productive life as a mother and homemaker and balanced that with her life as a successful member of the world. Mary enjoyed flower gardening, antique glassware, especially Tiffin Glass and raising her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Eric Culler officiating. The Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to the mass. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, May 13, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Stein Hospice.

Condolences may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.