Mary Jane Gertz

Mary Jane Gertz, a loving wife to Anthony (Tony) Gertz, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a cherished sister, aunt and friend, passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 77 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born on May 10, 1948, in Covington, Kentucky, Mary Jane was the treasured daughter of George Melvin "Bud" Klaene and Mary Rosella Klaene, both of whom predeceased her.

Mary Jane was a remarkable woman who dedicated 56 wonderful and happy years to her beloved husband, Tony, whom she met while attending Thomas More College (Villa Madonna), where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts. Together, at their home in Reading, Ohio, they created a beautiful life centered on Jesus and the Catholic Faith, and their marriage, filled with love and support, served as a source of great love, peace and stability for their children and grandchildren. She was a source of quiet powerful strength and gentle profound guidance for her family and a phenomenal mother to her five children: Susan (Gregory) Allspach, Karen (Mark) Wiehe, Anthony (Kristy) Gertz II, Timothy (Joelle) Gertz, and Deborah (James McCabe) Gertz. All of her children held her in the highest regard, lovingly referring to her as "Best Mom Ever". They were always seeking to include her and Tony in their many social plans, parties, and trips! Her family was the center of her world, and she derived immense joy from being with them for celebrations and trips, particularly the annual family trips to Hilton Head Island and the trips along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Mary Jane was a loving grandmother (affectionately known as "G", short for "G-Ma") to an extensive family, including Dr. Keagan (Dr. Brooke) Gertz, Wolfgang Scholz III (deceased), Abigail Scholz, Nicholas Wiehe, Charles Scholz, William Gertz, Allison Scholz, Rachel Wiehe, Joseph Allspach, Nathan Wiehe, Zachary Scholz, Julianne Allspach, Anthony (Trey) Gertz III, Grady Gertz, Rebecca Wiehe, Gabriel Gertz, and Luke Gertz. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Gavin Gertz, Grace Gertz, Layla Scholz, and Gwendolyn Gertz, each of whom brought her such happiness. She is also survived by her dear and cherished sister, Lois Gerlock, and she leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was not only a devoted wife, mother and grandmother but also a successful professional, operating a thriving business as a franchised Deputy Registrar of a Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Reading, Ohio, for 11 years. Her kind demeanor and commitment to customer service earned her the admiration of the general public, and she forged lasting relationships with her loyal customers, who always appreciated her for making their experiences at the BMV both expedient and pleasant.  She and Tony were true partners in that she supported him at every turn in his many political endeavors with the City of Reading, and he ardently supported her in the successful operation of her Reading business.

Mary Jane’s love for flowers was profound, an interest she shared with Tony. Bougainvilleas and mandevillas were her favorites. The multitude of flowers in her yard and on her patio made for a peaceful and picturesque place for enjoying a glass of wine and conversation with Tony and her children and many family friends over the years.  Dining out was another cherished pastime for the couple, as they developed special connections with particular servers at their favorite venues, returning week after week to relish in the familiarity and warmth of these relationships that blossomed from kindness. In her younger days, she thoroughly enjoyed ballroom dancing with Tony, their trips to California wine country, and their wine tasting adventures. And, she and Tony could always be found, as supportive parents/grandparents, on the sidelines of many Moeller, Mt. Notre Dame, Roger Bacon and Reading High School sporting events cheering on their children/grandchildren.  

Tony, her children and her grandchildren consider Mary Jane to have been an incredible gift to them from a loving and merciful God! May perpetual light shine upon her, and may her soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her parish of 56 years, Sts. Peter and Paul (Our Lady of the Valley) in Reading, Ohio, or to any Catholic parish, for the intention of having Masses offered for her and her family.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 9 am until 11 am, at Hodapp Funeral Home in West Chester, OH, 8815 Cincinnati Columbus Rd (US 42), West Chester, OH 45069. Mass will follow at Sts Peter and Paul (Our Lady of the Valley) Catholic Church, 330 W Vine Street, Reading, OH 45215, beginning at 12 noon.