Margie R. Zornes

Margie Ruth (Mullins) Zornes, affectionately known as Ruthie, passed away peacefully in her home in Nevada on March 18, 2025, at the age of 76. Born to the late Ray and Ida (Wilmot) Mullins on May 22, 1949, in Bucyrus Community Hospital, Ruthie is now blissfully reunited with her two beloved sons, Lewis Wayne and Billy Ray Zornes, who tragically passed away in a kayaking accident on Father’s Day 2015. She also joins her brothers Jessie Ray Mullins, William (Little Billy) Mullins, James (Danny) Mullins, her sisters Gladys Knell, Luvadia “Polly”(John) Thompson, and nephew Norman Thompson, and best friend the Thelma to her Louise Nancy Everly.

Ruthie was married to the late Paul Zornes, December 31, 1967, after graduating from Wynford High School, she began working at the local Dairy Mart, where a search for the last leaky can of turpentine culminated in a lifelong partnership. Together, they had three children: Lewis Wayne Zornes (son; Preston Zornes), Billy Ray Zornes, and Candida Christine Zornes. Candy blessed her with three grandchildren: Cami (Terry Lee) Etzinger, Joseph Jessie, and Jacobi (Jenny Wright) Jessie. She adored her great-grandchildren: Remington Beltz (7), Charlotte Jessie (2), and her newest beautiful great-granddaughter, Thea Jessie, born on March 10th. She is also survived by her sister Mae Breyley of Bucyrus, brother-in-law Roger Knell of Benton, and several close friends and extended cousins in Kentucky.

Ruthie was a doer—a problem solver and a helping hand, she spent much of her life in retail, finding joy in connecting with people. She opened Ruthie’s Value Center, then later as Billy was starting his career as an auctioneer, they opened Rooster’s consignment in Bucyrus that evolved into Zornes Auction. Her greatest joy was running Zornes Auction Factory alongside her family space where her humor, generosity, and joy flourished.

Ruthie found happiness in simple pleasures: watching the birds from her porch, tending her plants, and gazing at the moon. She loved taking impromptu road trips, convinced that she never got lost—just taking the scenic route. These unplanned adventures led to sightings like the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, explorations of Natural Bridges, and the mystery of a quaint town whose name forever escapes her memory, but we think it started with an M.

Her wanderlust also brought her to the Great Smoky Mountains, Daytona Bike Week to admire the motorcycles, and the Whistle Stop Cafe in Georgia, where her favorite movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, was set. Towanda! Ruthie was the designated driver on every family trip, guiding them safely while making lasting memories.

More than anything, Ruthie was the knot that held many strings keeping her family together—the one everyone turned to with news, big or small. Her encouragement and pride in her loved ones were constant. She reveled in family card games, casino visits, and late-night phone calls with her granddaughter, Cami, where they’d talk about anything, everything, and nothing at all.

Ruthie loved to read the obituaries, and she’s likely giggling somewhere about the phrase '76, died unexpectedly.' Her humor, kindness, and steadfast love left a mark on all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home on Monday, March 24th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a burial at Whetstone Cemetery, 1103 Poe Rd, Bucyrus, OH 44820. Memorials may be made to the funeral home. Online condolences can be shared at www.munzpirnstill.com.