Mary Lou DeHart July 30, 1943 – November 20, 2025

Mary Lou (Smith) DeHart, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by love. Born on July 30, 1943, in Troy, Ohio, to William E. Smith II and Mary Ellen (Kidder) Smith, Mary Lou lived a life full of joy, generosity, and devotion to family and community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Denning; her parents; and her brother, William E. "Gable" Smith III. She is survived by her sister Barbara Wagner (Wayne); her son Michael DeHart (Janet); her daughter Michele Blake (Bryan); and her cherished grandchildren Meredith DeHart, Andrew DeHart (Kaitlyn), Caleb Blake, and Luke Blake. Mary Lou also adored her two great-grandchildren, Emerson DeHart and Callan DeHart.

Mary Lou grew up in Troy, Ohio, and graduated from Troy High School in 1961. She loved riding horses and watching them race—especially the Kentucky Derby—a passion she passed down to her children. She worked in the family restaurant, The Gables, where her outgoing personality made her a natural hostess and assistant manager. Later, she enjoyed a long and successful career as a buyer and materials coordinator for Sonoco Products Company in Piqua, and Cincinnati Ohio.

Mary Lou believed in hard work and instilled that value in her children—her famous chore lists were legendary. Yet her greatest joy was supporting her children and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits. Whether cheering at the mat for Michael, and her grandsons Andrew and Caleb during wrestling matches or Michele at cheer competitions or quietly rooting for Luke in tennis and Meredith in gymnastics, Mary Lou was always there and always their biggest fan.

She found lifelong friendships and purpose through her service in Sigma Phi Gamma sorority, Mu Epsilon Chapter of Tipp City and, after retirement, dedicated countless hours volunteering for organizations such as Partners in Hope, Hospice of Miami County, and local backpack programs. She was also a member of the Tipp City Fraternal Order of Eagles. Her love of travel took her to favorite destinations including San Antonio, Las Vegas, Arizona, San Diego, Siesta Key, Germany, and France. She also loved dancing and attending concerts whenever she could.

Mary Lou's warmth, laughter, and unwavering support touched everyone who knew her. She was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, and friend, and her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Join us to celebrate the life of Mary Lou at 1:30 PM on November 24, 2025, at Baird Funeral Home, Troy with internment to follow in Miami Memorial Park, Covington, Ohio.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Lou's name to Hospice of Miami County. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Ohio's Hospice of Miami County
3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy OH 45373
Web: https://hospiceofmiamicounty.org