Mary Alice (Inbody) Lallathin

A Life of Faith, Family, Creativity, and Determination

Mary Alice (Inbody) Lallathin peacefully met her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, surrounded by her children. Her spiritual journey began in childhood and continued as a founding member of the Ravenna Church of Christ in the early 1950s, where she continued her membership. One of her greatest joys was knowing each of her children carried a strong relationship with Christ.

Born in Huntington, West Virginia, on March 16, 1931, to Paul and Mabel Inbody, Mary grew up during challenging times. Her family survived the historic1937 Ohio River flood, and she recalled waiting in their attic until rescuers arrived by boat. Later moving to Antioch, Ohio, she thrived in school, participating in theater, debate and the marching band, where she played bells. She graduated from Antioch High School.

Mary celebrated 53 years of marriage with her husband John Lallathin, who nicknamed her “Squirt” because of her diminutive size. She once shared how she used one leg of his trousers to create a skirt. Mary reminisced about their early dates attending country western concerts in Wheeling, West Virginia and evenings at the local movie theater. During their marriage, they developed countless memories camping with close friends and family, especially along the Trent River in Canada.

Always residing in Rootstown, in the early 1970s they moved to a hundred acre farm where they raised corn, vegetables and flowers, selling them from their front yard. John built Mary a greenhouse and she spent each spring growing flowers and vegetables from seed.

During her lifetime, Mary was defined by her grit and determination to accomplish any challenge, especially when told she could not do it. She used her gift as an artist creating beautiful hand painted furniture and decorative keepsakes along with dried floral arrangements from flowers grown in her garden. Her home open houses and craft fairs showcased her talent. Sewing on an old Singer treadle machine, Mary made clothing, including beautiful prom dresses. Her skills extended to crochet and knitting where she produced a memorable tennis sweater with a cable design for her son’s first grade school picture. Later, she crafted a sweater with reindeer knitted in contrasting yarn on the front.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open Mary’s Dress Shop in Ravenna in the early 1970s. As a young teen, Mary loved sketching 1940s fashion designs and her store became a natural extension of that passion. The shop flourished, and she cherished the friendships she built with customers, especially the young teens that admired her style and guidance. She hosted fashion shows for local nonprofits, and sold Avon products for many years- leading her team in sales. She even created and sold handmade Barbie dolls clothes.

Mary was deeply involved in her children’s school activities. She volunteered as a PTA room mother, served as preschool president, worked concession stands for Band Boosters, and chaperoned countless school events. Her dedication to her family and community was unwavering.

In addition to her husband, Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mabel Inbody, and sister, Betty Shook (Virgil d.). She leaves behind her five beloved children, Pam Smith (Don d.), Debbie Grueninger (Stan d.), Kim Robinson, Cindy Vice (Rich d.), and John Lallathin Jr. (Bonnie)., as well as five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren who all loved spending time with Grandma.

Honoring her wishes, Mary will be laid to rest beside her husband at West Union Cemetery in West Union, Ohio, in a private service at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ravenna Church of Christ, 3897 Summit Street, Ravenna, Ohio 44266; Rose’s Rescue at PO Box 33, Rootstown, OH 44272; or Patriot Hospice, 3575 Massillon Road, Suite 250, Uniontown, Ohio 44685

Mary’s legacy lives on in the faith she nurtured, the creativity she shared, and the love she poured into her family. Her determination, kindness, and joyful spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330)535-9186