Mary Roush

1948 - 2025

LIMA -- Mary Louise Fretz Roush, 76, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, February 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by unwavering faith, boundless energy, unrelenting tenacity, and a deep love for her family and friends. Born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, on August 23, 1948, Mary Lou was the cherished only child of Stanley Rickert and Gladys Martin Fretz. Together, they formed a family unit that was the epitome of devotion, wholesomeness, and support, a foundation that shaped her character and fueled her many accomplishments.

This nurturing and stable foundation imbued Mary Lou with the confidence and grit that propelled her to exceptional athletic achievements. She was inducted into both the North Penn High School and Bluffton University Athletic Halls of Fame, a testament to her extraordinary and groundbreaking dedication. Most notably, Mary Lou completed her college tennis career with a perfect record-an achievement she would continue to build upon in the Lima Tennis Circuit, where she won over 30 city championships throughout her illustrious career. Even well into her three pregnancies, her competitive drive remained unyielding, and she continued to excel on the court.

Her achievements, however, were not confined to sports. She dedicated her career to educating and empowering countless students at Ohio State University-Lima, where she worked tirelessly as an educator. As Director of the Professional Introduction to Education program for 30 years, she gave her students every ounce of support to achieve their fullest potential. Her dedication to her family was equally remarkable-Mary Lou gave her children a life full of love, support, and encouragement, ensuring they had every opportunity to thrive and achieve their dreams.

Her adult life was set in motion during a fateful encounter at a Bluffton University library, where she curiously asked a fellow Bluffton student for the time on several occasions within a brief span. This set the stage for a lifetime of love with William Thomas Roush, whom she married on July 31, 1973. Together, they raised three children-her proudest and most cherished accomplishment. Through every challenge and triumph, Mary Lou demonstrated a boundless, unwavering commitment to her family, never allowing a single day to go by without imparting her love, guidance, and encouragement.

Upon her retirement, Mary Lou's love for life remained as vibrant as ever. She moved from Lima to Fort Myers, Florida, where she continued to pursue her competitive passions, participating in daily tennis, pickleball, golf, and any other activity that came her way. Her competitive spirit continued to shine as she competed in multiple Senior Olympics, where she brought home several gold medals, further cementing her place as an enduring force of nature. She was so driven and talented, in fact, that event organizers had to limit her participation to ensure others had a chance to compete!

Mary Lou leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. She is survived by her loving husband, William Thomas Roush, who resides in both Lima and Fort Myers, Florida; her children, Thomas Fretz Roush (Devon) of Palm Beach, Florida, William Fretz Roush (Adah) of Lima, and Wendy Martin Ellis (Cliff) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and her cherished grandchildren, Kate and Elizabeth Ellis, Mitchell, Eddie, Juliet, Everett, and Lila Roush. She also leaves behind her beloved "de facto" siblings, Rick, Scott, Karen, and Mimi Martin. Her memory will forever live at the forefront of our hearts. She was truly one-of-a-kind.

Services celebrating Mary Lou's remarkable life will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, with a viewing from 10am-12pm with services following immediately at Shawnee United Methodist Church 2600 Zurmehly Rd, Lima, OH 45806. The family has entrusted the Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cermation Services, Shawnee Chapel in assisting with funeral services.

The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Mary Lou Roush Scholarship Fund https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/312376.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.