Meredythe Ann (Matlack) McDaniel, age 75, of Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 following a courageous battle with cancer starting in 2006.
On May 25, 1936, Meredythe was born in Richwood, Ohio, the oldest of three children of the late Ralph and Edith Mae (Hartman) Matlack.
She graduated from Richwood High School as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1954, where she also was a member of the National Honor Society.
Meredythe attended Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where she met the love of her life, John Wesley McDaniel. Their relationship all started on a blind date introduced by John’s cousin and Meredythe’s high school friend. They went to the YMCA downtown Columbus to a square dance. All knew how to square dance except John. Luckily she forgave him, as they continued their romance. They were married on December 18th, 1955, at the First Methodist Church in Richwood, Ohio. Together they lovingly raised a daughter, Lisa, and a son, John, and shared over 56 wonderful years of marriage.
An unconditionally loving and nurturing wife and mother, Meredythe’s first concern was always her family. She showered them with her love every day of her life, and they will forever be eternally grateful. In addition to being a homemaker, Meredythe helped with the family business, the O & M Company, as secretary. In her younger days, she modeled with Sutton and Lightner in Marion, as well as modeling for Lew Lause, a freelance photographer, in her later years. Meredythe had a smile that would light up any room.
A woman of faith, Meredythe was an active member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, where she served as a Senior High Youth leader for many years, as well as a Communion Stewart. Meredythe was a regular attendee at the First Methodist Church in Haines City, Florida, as well as at Epworth United Methodist church.
Dedicated to the Marion Community, Meredythe proudly volunteered and was past president of the Marion General Hospital TWIG II group. She had also been an active member and past president of the Junior Service Guild, and volunteered with Marion Mobile Meals.
Meredythe was an avid reader, she also loved decorating, shopping, bridge with her many friends, dancing with her husband, John, at their Wednesday Night Dance Club which met on Saturday, her Tuesday night and Friday night dinners with her dear friends, and playing tennis and golf with her many friends at Grenelefe in Florida, as well as Marion.
Meredythe’s greatest enjoyment was time spent with her husband and family; holidays, traveling, vacationing at summer cottages in Canada, Michigan, winters at Grenelefe in Florida, and time spent attending grandchildren's many special events.
Meredythe was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, John W. McDaniel, of Marion; two children: Lisa Ann (Bob) Hoppe, of Dublin, and John W. (Lisa) McDaniel, of Marion; four grandchildren: Brian and Michelle Hoppe, and Jeremiah and Devlin McDaniel; a brother, Robert Matlack, of Santa Cruz, California; a sister, Ardythe (Robert) Campbell, of Marion; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ann and Jim Hill, of Marion, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Partners of Marion Care and Rehabilitation Center for their love and care of Meredythe. They would also like to thank the Marion General Hospital Hospice team for their care and support these past four months.
Services celebrating Meredythe’s life well lived will be held on Saturday, April 7th, at the Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, Ohio, at 11:00 a.m with Rev. Colleen Ogle officiating, with special musical tributes by John Holsinger starting at 10:30 a.m. Following the celebration service, friends will be greeted at the Marion Country Club, 2415 Crissinger Rd., Marion, Ohio, 43302, from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., where lunch will be served.
Burial services will be observed privately by her family in the Marion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the McDaniel family requests memorial contributions in Meredythe’s name be made to the Marion Community Foundation at 504 S. State Street, Marion, Ohio 43302.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Meredythe’s family, and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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