Mari Lerch

Mari L. Lerch, 61, of Oneida, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at her home after a courageous battle with Huntington's Disease. She was born on November 19, 1963, in Oneida, the daughter of Richard W. and Patricia (Leonard) Buell. Mari was educated in Oneida schools. On November 1, 1985, Mari was united in marriage to John E. "Johnny" Lerch. Johnny passed away on October 13, 2022. Mari was employed by Turning Stone Resort and Casino for over twenty-five years, working her way up from a card dealer to a floor supervisor. Mari retired in 2015 when she was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease. Mari had a gift for lighting up any room she entered. Known as the life of the party, she had a knack for drawing people in with her infectious laughter, quick wit, and clever comebacks that kept everyone smiling. Whether gathered with friends and family or spending a quiet evening watching her favorite films, Mari brought joy, humor, and warmth to every moment. Surviving are her two children, Steffon Lerch (fiancé, Ashley Morey), and Paige Lerch, all of Oneida; her sisters, Loni (Richard) Petrie, of Oneida, Cyndi (Andy) Linton, of Hagaman, Vicki Philo, of Oneida; her brothers, Richard Buell, Ray Buell (Wanda O'Herien), all of Oneida, and Randy (Sherry) Buell, of Canastota; her brother-in-law, Deane Palmer, of Chittenango; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Mari was predeceased by her father, Richard on October 7, 2005; her mother, Patricia on March 1, 2008; her in-laws, Patricia and Hank Bolton; her sister, Gerri Palmer on October 12, 2018; her brother, Robert "Buford" Buell on March 8, 2003; her brother-in-law, Floyd H. Philo Jr. on December 4, 2024; her sister-in-law, Kimberly M. Buell on April 10, 2023; and her nephew, Brett Palmer on September 21, 2020. Mari's family wishes to extend their gratitude to Palliative Care and HCR for the kindness and compassion shown to Mari during her battle. A Celebration of Mari's life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Allen Park Pavilion on Broad St., Oneida, from 12:00 PM (Noon) to 3:00 PM. The family has asked that you please wear yellow in Mari's memory. Memorial contributions may be made in Mari's memory to Huntington's Disease Society of America, 505 8th St. (Suite 902), New York, New York 10018. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mari Lerch, please visit our Tree Store.