Mary Ann (Bott) Denney

Mary Ann Denney, 92, of Ashland, passed away on September 21, 2025 in her home surrounded by family. She was born in Ashland, Ohio to J. Herman and Myrtle (Strickling) Bott on April 13, 1933. She was a 1951 graduate of Ashland High School. Mary Ann married Darel D. Denney on April 5, 1953. They celebrated 53 years of marriage before Darel passed away on April 13, 2006.

Mary Ann worked at JJ Newberry after high school and then stayed home to raise her children. When her children were older, she worked for Avon, Dilgard Insurance and Troth Auctioneering.

Mary Ann was a member of Lakefork United Methodist Church and in later years attended Nankin Community Church. Mary Ann belonged the The Mother of Twins Club and was a long time member of the Antiques Committee of the Ashland Co Fair. Mary Ann and Darel enjoyed many years at their winter home in Port Charlotte, Fla. Mary Ann was a collector of antiques, loved reading and traveling to the Caribbean, San Francisco, Wyoming, Alaska, and Ireland being highlights. Her euchre skills were legendary. She valued her lifelong friendships and picked up new ones throughout her life with her caring heart and warm smile.

Mary Ann was a Christian and had a servant’s heart. She spent many years volunteering at Hospice of North Central Ohio, Associated Charities of Ashland, The Ashland Senior Center and The Homeless Coalition of Charlotte Co, Florida. She regularly donated to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Joseph’s Indian School of South Dakota and the Leukemia Foundation.

Being a mother and grandmother was most important to Mary Ann. She is survived by her children, James (Julie) Denney of Springfield, Cheri Denney of Ashland, Larry (Glynis) Denney of Greenville, South Carolina, Garry (Theresa) Denney of West Salem, and Diann (Kevin) Gaysunas of Westerville, 8 grandchildren, Russell Denney of Arlington, Va, Joel (Liza) Denney of Danville, Va, Adrian (Marie) Denney of Oak Harbor, Wa, Dara Denney of New York, NY, Josh(Caitlin) Denney of Victor, Id, Erica(James) Nolan of Ashland, Megan Gaysunas (Tim Szaroleta) of Upper Arlington, Brian Gaysunas of Marble Cliff and 7 great grandchildren, Aksel and Malik Denney, Clover, Lincoln, Magnolia and Theodore Denney, and Wesley Szaroleta. She is also survived by sisters in law Donna Denney and Theda (Larry) Zimmerman and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Darel, her daughter in law, Brenda Denney, her brother and sister in law, Ron and Jo Ann Bott, sister, Bonnie Barton, brother in law, David Denney and sister in law, Rosemary Banks.

Funeral services for Mary Ann will be 12:00 PM on Friday September 26, 2025 at Nankin Community Church with Pastor Joel Denney officiating. Burial will follow in Nankin Cemetery.

Friends may call from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM on Friday at the church before the service.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at bloodcancerunited.org or the Nankin Community Church 795 State Route 302 Nankin, OH 44848.

Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.

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