Mary Bethel Totman, 83, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Mary Beth lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and quiet strength.
Born on September 29, 1941, to Shelby and Florence Tomes, Mary Beth grew up with the values of kindness and service to others—qualities that shaped every aspect of her life. She married the love of her life, Ronald Totman, and together they shared 65 devoted years of marriage. Mary Beth was constantly by Ronald’s side, caring for him with unwavering love until his final days.
Mary Beth was a woman of many talents and boundless heart. She had a passion for quilting, sewing, and cooking, often bringing her warmth to others through handmade gifts and home-cooked meals. She worked as a talented cake decorator for Thompson’s Bakery, where her artistry and attention to detail made her creations both beautiful and beloved. Her kitchen was a place of comfort for many, known especially for her famous sausage gravy, hamballs, and a wide array of comforting dishes that brought family and friends together.
She was also known for her surprising aim with a rifle—a skill that earned her the nickname “Annie Oakley”. From the windows of her home, she could expertly take out groundhogs with precision.
But above all else, Mary Beth’s greatest joy came from her family. She was the heart of the Totman family—the glue that held generations together with quiet wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, laughter, and memories, and she poured herself fully into the lives of those she loved.
Mary Beth is survived by her sons, Jeff Totman and Dan Totman; her beloved grandchildren, Ashleigh (Joey) Armstrong, Alisha (Derek) Woodruff, Torrey (Kourtney) Totman, and Trevin (Maddy) Totman; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Coen, Landyn, Calleigh, Kendyll, Cole, Bryggs, and Emmy. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Linda) Tomes.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Totman; her parents, Shelby and Florence Tomes; her sister, Jean Devore; and her brother, Thomas Tomes.
The family will hold a private graveside service to honor Mary Beth’s life. Though she may no longer be with us in presence, her legacy of love, selflessness, and strength will live on through every life she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Mary Beth’s memory—helping a neighbor, sharing a meal, or simply offering a listening ear—just as she would have done.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com