Mary Jane John

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mary Jane John on New Year’s Day. A lifelong resident of Stone Creek and Angel Valley, Mary Jane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and community servant.

She was a graduate of Stone Creek High School and Wittenberg and Kent State Universities. Mary Jane spent many years as an educator and counselor with New Philadelphia City Schools. She was a founding board member of the Norma Johnson Center and generously gave her time as a volunteer with the Tuscarawas County Pork Producers, membership chair of the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau, a 4-H judge, and a board member of the Tuscarawas County Council for Church and Community.

A lifelong Lutheran, Mary Jane was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She also served as past president and volunteer with the Delta Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international professional organization for women educators.

Mary Jane found joy in gardening, cooking, swimming, music, and participating in the county fair, where she loved competing in produce, canning, floral, and other categories.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Evelyn Ridenour; her siblings, Sue (McPherson) and Jim; and her grandson, Matthias Young. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles John; her children, Victor John and Amanda (Jerry) Young; and her granddaughter, Ella.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff—especially her direct caregivers—at Otterbein Granville and Hospice of Central Ohio.

A Memorial Service will be held on February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at First Moravian Church, 319 N. Walnut Street, Dover, Ohio. A time for fellowship and light refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norma Johnson Center or Emmanuel Lutheran Church.