Mary E. Osborn

Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Osborn, 92, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, at Morningside of Washington. Born August 24, 1922 in Kansas City, MO., Mary Elizabeth Miller was adopted as an infant by Dr. Harry T. and Lucille Miller of Canton, IL. Raised as an only child by her loving parents, she fondly recalled her early life with them living near her maternal grandmother and great grandmother. Beth attended Canton High School graduating in 1940 and attended two years at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. before marrying Floyd Eli ("Ozzie") Osborn of Ferris, IL. on November 10, 1944. She was preceded in death by both her husband and parents. She enjoyed living in Caracas, Venezuela and Miami, FL. due to Ozzie's work with Caterpillar. She was a devoted mother to Judy (Tom) Gross of Washington and Harry Lee (Sue) Osborn of Bluffton, OH.; cherished grandmother to Beth Ann (Bart), Matthew (Haley), and Joshua (Stephenie) Gross; Erin (Brad) Prater and Jon Osborn; and adored great grandmother ("Gigi") to Anna Elizabeth, Gabriel Matthew, and Emma Grace Gross, Katie and Nicholas Prater, and Reece and Drew Osborn. Beth was a talented seamstress and knitter and loved stitchery and needlepoint. She was an avid reader, golfer, sports fan and also loved seeing plays and movies. A dog lover, she was the proud owner of several Boston Terriers. She enjoyed gatherings with cousins, playing pool with her grandsons, and was a great supporter at the events of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A lifelong United Methodist, she shared her beautiful soprano voice in Canton and Washington church choirs. She also sang solos for wedding and funeral services in the area. Beth loved winters at her home along a canal in Sebring, FL. and summers living at Snyder Village, especially attending concerts at the Metamora bandstand. Always active and on the go, Beth enjoyed travelling as recently as 2012, including to Houston, TX. to meet her great granddaughter as well as to French Lick, IN. for a wonderful 90th birthday celebration with family. She will be greatly missed by all who love her. The family extends a special thank you to Christa Jones and the Helping Hands Staff, who became like family to "Gigi" and took such loving care of her in the past year. Also appreciated are the supportive staff at Morningside of Washington, Transitions Hospice, and Pastors Dan Doty and Pat Gareau from Crossroads United Methodist Church. A private service for family and close friends will be held at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Snyder Village in Metamora.