April 25, 1938 – August 12, 2017
Mary E. (Dobson) Resler, 79, of Noblesville, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 with her loving husband by her side, holding hands as they always did. Mary was born on April 25, 1938 to Wilford (Dobbie) and Lois (DeBruler) Dobson in Brazil, Ind.
Mary graduated from Brazil High School in 1956 and Indiana State University in 1960. Mary graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music Education. She began her teaching career in Princeton, Ind., where she met the love of her life, Gordon Resler. They were married in Brazil, Ind., on August 27, 1961. They moved to Morocco, Ind., where they both obtained teaching positions. In 1965, they moved to Noblesville, where they both were teachers in Noblesville Schools. Mary taught music at North Elementary and retired teaching in 2004. In 1970, Mary began her 46 year career as Minister of Music at Noblesville First United Methodist Church. During her time at NFUMC, she created the Chancel Ringers, Clackers, Maryfolk (later the Sounds Unlimited), The Dirt Band and also directed and wrote 25 Variety Shows. She loved her church and wanted to share her love of music with the congregation and the community. She also started a community theater program that was an outreach for the church, producing several Broadway productions. In 2016, Mary retired from First United Methodist Church.
Her love of music and love of the Noblesville community was evident in her contribution to the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to start the Christmas holiday. She also started the weekly summer band concerts in Seminary Park. Mary was one of the founding members of the Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission. She also directed over 20 musicals at the Belfry. She was honored in May 2016 when received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award for her community and church activities. Mary loved to travel, work in her garden and spend time with her husband, Gordon. With the same love she had for her husband and music, she loved her family. She was a loving mother to Ben and Angie and supported their every endeavor. She enjoyed playing with her grandchildren. She could always be seen playing knee hockey and hopscotch, sitting at the piano singing, blowing bubbles, pulling them around in wagons, or just snuggling during nap time.
Mary is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gordon Resler; son, Ben Resler (wife Melissa); grandson, Jakub Resler; granddaughter, Maja Resler; daughter, Angie Resler; granddaughter, Isabella Resler; and sister, Martha Jane (Dobson) Poio (husband Joe).
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church-Celebration Hall, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2017 in the sanctuary of the church, with an additional visitation from 10 a.m. to the time of service. Pastor Dick Judson will officiate. Burial will be at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.
Memorial contributions may be made in Honor of Mary to the Music Ministry of Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument Street, Noblesville, IN 46060.
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com
Arrangements
Calling: 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17
Service: 11 a.m. Aug. 18
Location: Noblesville First United Methodist Church
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com