Mary Helen Bouse

May 5, 1926 – November 22, 2024

Mary Helen Bouse, 98, passed away peacefully at her home in Sheridan, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers, on Friday evening, November 22, 2024. Born on May 5, 1926, in Otterbein, Ind., she was the daughter of Elzer and Edna Faye (Holder) Read.

Mary was a 1944 graduate of Lebanon High School. She spent most of her career working in a secretarial and office manager capacity for various companies in the Lebanon area, including Commercial Filters, Economy Insurance, and several accounting firms in town.

When she had some time to herself, she loved getting lost in the pages of a good book. However, watching Jeopardy! was the next best thing. She also enjoyed a few sports on TV, including golf (as long as Tiger Woods was playing) and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mary was a woman of strong faith and devotion to her family. She was a wonderful cook, and there was nothing she enjoyed more than cooking for her family. She was still preparing family dinners well into her 90s. Traveling, especially to warmer places, was also another fun family adventure. The beaches of Florida were among her favorite destinations.

Mary is survived by her three sons, Michael McLaughlin (Sharon) of Bradenton, Fla., Jeff McLaughlin (Robin) of Lebanon, and Steve McLaughlin of Sheridan; daughter, Linda McLaughlin of Frankfort; grandson, Ben McLaughlin of Chicago; great-granddaughter, Elle McLaughlin of Lebanon; brother, Jack Read (Alice) of The Villages, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elzer and Edna Faye (Holder) Read; sister, Virginia Cory; grandson, Curtis McLaughlin; and daughter-in-law, Denise McLaughlin.

Private family services are being planned. Mary will be laid to rest at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com