Mary Durbin

Mary Margaret Booth Durbin, age 87, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully Wednesday evening, May 16, 2018 while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House.

Born at Barnhill on November 28, 1930, Mary was one of 10 children born to the late Samuel W. and Mary (Richards) Booth.

Following her graduation from the former Midvale High School in 1948, Mary worked part time for the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections from 1949-1961. On August 4, 1952, in Columbia City, Indiana, Mary wed James A. “Bud” Durbin. Together the couple raised a son and a daughter and shared in 38 years of marriage prior to his passing on May 24, 1991.

For many years, Mary and Bud worked together on the family’s farm. Mary was an instrumental part of the farm where she not only served as bookkeeper but also tended to the cattle and oversaw the farm’s grain drying operation. Whether a meal was prepared on the table or food was prepared to take to the field, friends, family and farm help were sure to be well fed. Through the years, Mary prepared countless meals and sandwiches and was well known for her barbecue hamburgers and delicious sweet corn.

Mary remained active on the farm well up into her mid-80s. She loved mowing her lawn, riding around the farm on her Gator and tending to her vegetable garden. Above all, Mary was a passionate, loving, quiet caregiver who also enjoyed being a big part of her grandson Luke’s life.

She will be remembered for her humble, behind-the-scenes work. For many years, Mary attended Sharon Moravian Church, was a member of the Tuscarawas County Soil and Water Women’s Auxiliary, the Clay, Warwick, Salem Township Farm Bureau Group, and the Ninevah Grange.

Mary will be missed by her children, Matthew Durbin and his companion, Shelly Wheeler; her daughter, Maryann Durbin; her grandson, Luke Durbin all of New Philadelphia; her sister-in-law, Donna Booth of Tuscarawas; and her longtime friend, Norma Schreiner of Port Washington; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Carol Durbin; her sisters, Maxine (Clarence) Smitley, Arleen (Doc) Kinsey, Anna Mae (Bud) Haines, Betty Booth; and her brothers, Bill (Ida) Booth, Glen (Treva) Booth, Sam (Joan) Booth, Danny Booth and Harold (Norma) Booth.

The family will greet guests on Friday, May 25, 2018 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Mary’s life will be led by Pastor Jon Long, on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 10:30 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.