Mary Hagar

Mary Hagar, devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, wife, advisor, gardener, goat herder and collector of cherished things, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 19, in the comfort of her home in Hillsboro, Ohio surrounded by loved ones.

Born on January 6, 1945, to Joel and Ardel Goins in Cincinnati, Ohio, she grew up in Sugar Tree Ridge with her siblings.

She graduated from Whiteoak High School in Mowrystown, Ohio, in 1963. She enjoyed attending class reunions with her best friend of 70 years, Kay (Roush) Wilhelm. Her sister Shirley moved to her retirement farm in Arkansas and passed the torch of 4-H advisor to Mary, which she carried for 27 years.

She loved supporting her 4-H family with her daughter Amy, and seeing the kids of Highland's Best 4-H Club complete their projects, especially dairy goats. She was especially proud of her "Baby-Faced Soldier," Brendan and may forever be known for having the "biggest goat in the barn."

She so enjoyed her trips to the beach with Alison, RJ, Cheyenne and Jasper to listen to the ocean waves, read books and put puzzles together. She loved getting her "Jasper hugs" and coloring in her adult coloring books with Cheyenne and Jasper. She loved thrifting. She collected many things from family heirlooms to found treasures. She was always proud to let you know the history or value of her items and enjoyed researching them with Lauren.

And she loved being "Peepaw" to Lauren's Lucy. She was very proud of her children who joined the military: James, Shannon and Alison. She kept letters from James, her own "personal mechanic and fix-it son," when he deployed to Desert Storm and re-read them to others and sent wonderful care packages to each of them on their deployments.

Farm wife and stay-at-home mom were her full-time jobs. She was the oldest daughter of the oldest daughter of the oldest daughter. And with her oldest daughter Shannon, she shared a love of gardening, cooking, sewing and flower arranging. Bradley enjoyed showing her goats at peewee showmanship and has a sweet tooth like his grandma. She taught her children to be honest, strong, resourceful and determined. From Mary, her children have learned to enjoy the outdoors, to observe things around them and make the most of what they have. Her quick wit and sense of humor were the things that endeared her to everyone.

Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ronald Leonard Hagar, known to each other for 70 years, her children Shannon Mary (David) Ditz, James Leonard, Lauren Carrie (Robert) Luke, Alison Maragret (RJ) Chavis and Amy Ruth, her grandchildren Brendan James Hagar, Lucy Elizabeth Lange, Cheyenne Marie Chavis, Bradley William Ditz and Robert Jasper Chavis, Jr. Also, by her sister Shirley Ann (Goins) Edenfield and her baby brother JB (Butch) Goins.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Joel Bartson Goins and Ardel (Reynolds) Goins.

Mary's life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Highland County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro, OH, in the Wharton Building.

Should you wish to honor Mary's memory, the family suggests donating to either the Highland County Community Action, 1487 N. High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, Samaritan Outreach Services of Highland County, 537 N. East Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, Canter's Cave 4H Camp, 1362 Caves Rd., Jackson, Ohio 45640, Highland County 4H Committee 526 John Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 or any food bank in your area.

In the meantime, enjoy a bowl of homemade potato soup, berry crisp or fruitcake with a glass of cold goat milk. She will be missed by so many.

The Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro is serving the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.