Mary Etta McPheron, 84, of Lima, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Springview Manor in Lima.

Mary was born on April 4, 1942, in Lima, to the late Perry and Mary Susan (McConnell) Mitchell. She was a 1960 graduate of Shawnee High School before graduating from Miami Valley University with her nursing degree. On October 26, 1963, Mary was united in marriage to Charles Walter McPheron who passed away on July 10, 2019, and together they had two children, Michele and John.

Mary enjoyed being outside, working in her garden and with her flowers. Her proudest moment was when she started Helping Hands Home Health Agency in 1983 and due to health reasons, she had to step away in 1995.

Mary is survived by her two children, Michele R. (Todd) Gibson of Shawnee and John M. (Elizabeth) McPheron of Lima; four grandchildren, Joshua Gibson of Champaign, IL, Noah Gibson of Columbus, Nikole (Erik Neu) McPheron of Cleveland Heights, and Chase McPheron of Lima; and one sister, Nancy Martinovici of Galesville, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Her graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at St. Matthews Cemetery, 5050 St. Matthews Dr., Lima, OH 45806, with Pastor Mark Bayliff officiating. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral home in Spencerville is caring for Mary and her family.

In memory of Mary, preferred memorials may be sent to Interim Hospice, 3745 Shawnee Rd., Lima, OH 45806.