Mary Sue Lakes

LAKES, Mary Sue age 86 of Fairfield, Ohio died in her home surrounded by her loving family and friends on March 22. 

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio, Mary attended St. Joseph Catholic School and was a graduate of Hamilton High School. She spent her career working for billing and registration at Mercy Hospital, and after retirement worked for Fairfield City School District as a cafeteria worker.  

At age 18 Mary met the love of her life, Vernon, and married on February 27, 1960 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfield, Ohio. They spent 46 years together filled with endless love and laughter. 

Mary was the devoted mother of three children, Dennis Lakes, Steven Lakes, and Shari Lakes Conrad, and five grandchildren: Denessa (Roger) Tackett, Jacob (Amanda) Lakes, Tyler Conrad, Whitney Conrad, and Ryan Conrad. She adored her 7 great-grandchildren: Hannah Lakes, Ella Tackett, Isley Lakes, Olivia Tackett, Jack Lakes, Isaiah Lakes, and Brooks Conrad. She is also survived by her special brother, Michael Stitzel. 

Mary loved talking on the phone, working out at Planet Fitness, attending church at St. Joseph, watching her granddogs, and above all else, spending time with her family and friends. 

For decades, Mary spent much time with her childhood girlfriends— Lois Pohlman, Donna Vale, Sandy Johnson, Dolores Weinmann, Wanda Crapo— for card club and live music. 

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Cecelia (Wiegand) Stitzel; her husband, Vernon in 2006; her son, Steven in 1985; five brothers, Leroy, Edwin Jr., Thomas, James, and Charles Stitzel; four sisters, Carol Conover, Judith Helton, Angela Meinhardt and Joan Stitzel.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Church, 171 Washington Street, Hamilton, on Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow immediately at St. Mary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Sue Lakes, please visit our floral store.