Mary Louise (Power) Olinger

Published
Mary Olinger

Mary Louise (Power) Olinger passed August 31, 2025 with her daughter Diana and grand dog Omalu by her side. She was born in Grandview, OH on December 7, 1933 to Gladys Shadrach Power and Willam Robert Power, who both preceded her in death along with her husband and love of her life for 71 years, Max Brown Olinger and brother, John Robert Power. When asked the key was to a long marriage, she replied patience and love.

Mary graduated from Zanesville High School in 1950 and married Max on December 28, 1952 in her Presbyterian Church. She attended Ohio State University where she majored in Home Economics. Mary was featured on the cover of the college’s promotional book in 1951 and was on the cover of the Zanesville Times Signal activities section in 1955 modeling beach wear.

She was Editor of the Topeka State Journal when her husband was stationed in Kansas in the Air Force. Mary worked as a Bank Officer until she had her first child. She had three children, Mike, Debbie and Diana, six grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She was thoroughly involved in all her children’s activities and hosted seven decades of family holidays, including her favorite, Christmas. Before grandchildren she completed that meal with flaming cherries jubilee. 

As a child Mary rescued kittens, rode roller coasters with her dog and baby sat. As a young adult she collected funds for the American Heart Association, taught Sunday school and sang in the United Methodist Church choir. She was a pink lady, middle school tutor and active member of the Junior Women’s Club. Mary Lou was President of and Meet Director for Rising Tide Aquatic Club and Pool Committee and frequent Social Committee Chairperson at the Coshocton Town and Country Club. 

While caring for her children Mary worked as an interior designer and was a highly successful salesperson for Doncaster designer clothing, winning numerous vacations. She always knew what automobile color would be the top seller for her husband’s dealership. She also worked in retail in three Roscoe Village stores. She loved dancing to Big Band music with Max until almost 90 and enjoyed travel around Europe, Mexico, and coastal areas including several islands.

Mary and Max hosted unique and elaborate cocktail, dinner and theme parties. They were featured in the Columbus Dispatch for one of the six decades of Ohio State football tailgate events. Mary and Max witnessed the famous Snow Bowl in Ohio Stadium, despite hating being cold, and she attended her final game late November 2024. She was also a Lady in every sense and a long-standing financial supporter of Kenyon College.

She exuded grace and elegance, dressed in style, and never left home without lipstick, perfect hair, nails and jewelry. She was intelligent, patient, kind, quick-witted and loving. She could set a formal table, keep an immaculate house, handle the family finances and clean a horse stall in heels. An avid sports enthusiast, she was a varsity cheerleader, played doubles tennis and enjoyed watching basketball and golf. She was courageous, independent, strong, and polite but was never fooled. 

She ushered at the Little Theater, hosted at the Pomerene Center, and was a member of the Coshocton Museum. Mom could approach grief and loss with stoicism, express support with a wink or disapproval with a glance. She loved being around infants and young children and enjoyed reading and being around friends. She embraced diversity and supported women’s rights.

Her final two years were spent riding in small airplanes and waterski boats over and on the Chesapeake Bay, attending weddings, art shows, the symphony and other musical and theatrical performances in Annapolis, Maryland. She visited with Naval Academy midshipman, old and new friends, helped with church Youth Group, watched her daughter swim, skate, sled and ride horses and her grand dog swim and track humans. She ate crab cakes and dozens of raw oysters. 

A reception honoring her memory and character will be held at the Johnson Humerick House in Coshocton, OH from 5-7 p.m. on December 19, 2025. Her Memorial Service will take place at Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Maryland in January 2026, with Pastor Linda Motter officiating.

Donations may be made in Mary’s name to any organization that prevents animal cruelty or supports the equality and advancement of women. Trees may be planted via Arborday.org. Self-less acts of dignity, respect, politeness and love to honor her legacy are equally appreciated.

coshocton
OBITUARIES
Subscribe to the Coshocton County Beacon

THE LATEST

LOCAL
Powered by
The Coshocton County Beacon
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

COLUMNISTS

LIFE AND LEARNING
OBITUARIES
BUSINESS
Powered by Labrador CMS