Mary Lee Dalton, 87, died peacefully Thursday, April 3, 2025 under the care of her family and Southern Care Hospice.
She was born July 15, 1937 in Covington County, Alabama to the late Oliver and Ella (Johnson) Crittenden. Mary was raised in rural Alabama and made her way north after finishing high school. It was in Mansfield where she met Carl “Cobie” Dalton of Bucyrus at a skating rink. This sparked an adventurous and memorable life together in Bucyrus as they dated, then married in 1966. Cobie preceded Mary in death on May 2, 2007.
Mary will be remembered for her deep faith, strong convictions, and fun-loving nature. If she could make you laugh or bring a smile to your face, whether stranger or friend, it made her day. Mary loved children. She was the best mom Sherry and Carl could ever ask for and when she became a grandma, it was all the better. She also babysat several children over the years and always believed in staying in touch to maintain close connection with family.
In younger and healthier years, Mary walked nearly everywhere she needed to go, but always did enjoy taking rides with friends and family. She also wasn’t shy about commenting on their driving despite never holding a license herself. The ride was especially good if it included a trip to McDonald’s for a sweet tea and cheeseburger. She loved to sew, crochet, and craft, usually sharing these items as gifts. Christian radio was always on in her house as she faithfully listened to gospel music and Bible teachers over the air. Mary was a devout Christian and a member of Calvary Baptist Church for nearly 60 years. In addition to services, she enjoyed Missionary Prayer Band meetings and teaching children. Everyone was invited to church as Mary often said, “We’ll see you Sunday” rather than goodbye.
Mary is survived by children, Sherry Teague and Carl “Bunky” (Heather) Dalton; grandchildren, Cody Dalton and Jada Dalton; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family including a special sister-in-law, Betty Simmons of Washington state. The Dalton family is also grateful for the support and companionship of her best friends, Nancy Knell and Carol Thomas.
In addition to her parents and husband of 40 years, Mary was preceded in death by all her siblings, Hubbert Wright, Joseph Tyler, James Crittenden, Sarah Valdry, and Laura Bell Johnson.
All services will be held at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus on Thursday, April 10. Family will receive friends from 11 am – 12:55 pm and the funeral will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor David Patrick officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to Calvary Baptist Church, ASHAC (Aladdin Shriners Hospital Association for Children), or American Cancer Society and given at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared in the guestbook on Mary’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.
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Miss you Mom, Love You.