Mary Jane Ollendick

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Jane Ollendick (nee Bender), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who peacefully departed this world on November 26, 2024, at the age of 96. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 12, 1928, Mary lived a life filled with love, devotion, and unwavering faith.
Mary was a nurturing soul who cherished her family above all else. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert H. Ollendick Sr. As a proud mother to her daughter Marian Ollendick and her sons the late Father William H. Ollendick, O.F.M., Pastor Ralph (Pamela) Ollendick, Robert "Bob" Ollendick Jr., and the late Paul Ollendick. She instilled values of compassion and kindness that will live on through her beloved grandchildren: Christine (Aaron) Sweat, Michael Atkins, Matthew (Gabrielle) Ollendick, Andrew (Jaclyn) Ollendick, and Jeremy Ollendick and her great-grandchildren: Aiden, Payton, Bryce, Reagan, Taylor, Dylan, and Rylee. Her bond with her siblings-Eileen Potter, Jim Bender, the late Helen Bresch, the late Rita Fischer, the late Angela Stafford, the late John Bender, the late Delores Bender and the late Raymond Bender-was a testament to her commitment to family, a cornerstone of her life. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
An active participant in the community, Mary devoted countless hours volunteering at her grandchildren's school, where her warmth and enthusiasm made a lasting impact. As a Eucharistic minister at her church, she demonstrated her deep faith and connection to her community, living out her beliefs through acts of service and compassion. Her dedication to her faith was matched only by her passion for gardening, where she found solace and joy in nurturing life, and her love for baking, which filled her home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods.
Mary's adventurous spirit led her to cherish travel, where she made memories that enriched her life and shared stories that captivated her family. In a remarkable testament to her resilience and commitment, she worked at Walmart for 10 years and retired at the age of 90, proving that her spirit was as vibrant as ever.
Mary's family will remember her for her unwavering love and pride in their accomplishments. With a heart full of affection, she touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy woven with love and kindness.
Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Mary's extraordinary life, sharing cherished memories, and honoring a remarkable woman who will be deeply missed.
The family will receive friends at Evans Funeral Home, 741 Center St. Milford, OH 45150, on Thursday, December 5th from 9 AM to 10 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 5890 Buckwheat Rd. Milford, OH 45150, beginning at 10:30 AM. The Committal services will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Otterbein-Loveland, for their love and support.