Mary Ruth Halfacre

            Mary Ruth Halfacre, 87, transitioned to eternal peace on June 2, 2024 in her home with loving family by her side.

            Mary was born October 8, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Curlen & LaRue Tyson. She was a graduate of East High School, and the first American Indian woman valedictorian. Mary received her RN-BSN from Youngstown State University. She was also a Licensed Independent Social Worker employed with the Area Agency on Aging for 40 years. After retiring, she enjoyed spending time with grandchildren, gardening, and getting all the answers correct on Jeopardy. She was one of the founding members of the Ohio Senior Olympics, later being inducted into the Ohio Senior Olympics Hall of Fame for her hard work and dedication.

            Mary was a long-time member of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church’s Choir and Altar Guild until it’s closure when she became a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. She believed a life of service was part of the rent we pay for being on this earth. This is evident in her membership in many organizations over the years, including the N.A.A.C.P., Urban League, The Quota Club, The League of Women Voters, and the Wean Foundation.

            She leaves to mourn her passing, but to celebrate her life and legacy, six children, Laura Halfacre, Keith Halfacre [Shryl Hinojosa], Walter [Tammy] Halfacre, and Mary Halfacre-Buie of Arizona, Frank Halfacre Jr. of Texas, Madelyn Halfacre & daughter-in-law, Ronelle Halfacre of Youngstown; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; three sisters, Dee Wylie of North Carolina, Crystal (John II) Little & Ernestine Carlock of Youngstown; Godson Lamont T. Floyd, and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends who became family.

            Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Frankie “Mr. Lucky” Halfacre; son, Lyle Halfacre; grandson, Kamren Halfacre; brother, Curlen Tyson Jr, son-in-law Charles Buie, and daughter-in-law Karen.

            Visitation will be Friday, June 21, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Avenue, Youngstown. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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