Mary Lee (Davis) Barton was born in Frost, West Virginia on February 1, 1942 and returned home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 28, 2022 with her husband by her side.

Mary and her mother moved to Akron, Ohio when she was 5 years old, but spent every summer in West Virginia with her grandmother. Mary was the secretary of her class and graduated as salutatorian from Kenmore High School in 1959. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert Barton, and they married September 9, 1961. Mary graduated from the Akron General Hospital School of Nursing and was employed as a registered nurse.

After starting a family, Bob and Mary moved to Springfield Township. She then worked as the bookkeeper and office manager forr The Suburban Shop and at Chimney, Chimes and Chairs, two companies founded by her husband. In 1986, Mary co-founded the Hartville Chocolate Factory and Close to the Heart gift shops along with her husband, and it wasn't long before they purchased a home in Hartville. Mary and Bob truly enjoyed living and serving in the Hartville community. During the years which followed, thousands of local elementary students visited the Hartville Chocolate Factory to hear Mary's "chocolate talks" and to receive a free ice cream cone afterwards. In no time at all, she became affectionately known as the "Chocolate Lady." Mary was very active with the Downtown Hartville merchants and always looked forward to "Evening in the Village." Last year, she and Bob were given the honor of turning on the Christmas tree lights at the grand celebration.

Along with their children, Bob and Mary faithfully attended Akron Springfield Assembly of God, where she taught the kindergarten Sunday School class for more than 20 years. Mary was very supportive of the Springfield Local Schools, especially the marching band program, and served as a band camp nurse for a few years. Once, she had the honor of serving as the summer nurse at the Salvation Army's Camp NEOSA. Mary very much enjoyed reading, baking, painting and sewing. She was an avid gardener and loved birds and nature. She was also a big Cleveland sports fan, and especially enjoyed watching the Indians play at Jacob's Field.

Mary was "Mom" to three children and "Mommom" to six grandchildren. Over the years, she and Bob welcomed additional grandchildren and great grandchildren into the family through marriage. She loved her family and always found ways to make holidays and birthdays quite special. Mary dedicated many years to raising her children and supporting their endeavors. The children fondly remember their family trips throughout the Eastern United States. Mary loved taking her grandchildren to the Akron and Cleveland Zoos and spent countless hours reading picture books, singing songs, and attending school concerts, plays, sports and other activities. In their golden years, Bob and Mary enjoyed taking trips along the Ohio River in their RV.

It has been said that the greatest gift a father can give his children is to love their mother. The love that was shared between Bob and Mary was unmatched and will always be remembered as the gift that it was. The sweet love that Bob shared with Mary over the years – and the heartfelt way she would respond - was evidence of Christ's presence in their lives. No matter what kind of challenges they faced during their 61 years of marriage, their faith was strong and their God was faithful.

"Mary Lee welcomed Jesus into her heart as a child and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her entire life. The light of Jesus was readily evident in her sweet smile, and she will forever be remembered for her kindness, gentleness and love for others. She was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. Mary was blessed to have many family, friends and customers who loved her, and she will be deeply missed by all. To celebrate her memory and to carry on her legacy are: Beloved husband, Robert Barton. Son, Bobby (Regina) Barton. Son, David (Michelle). Daughter, Beth (Tim) Daugherty. Grandchildren, Hannah (Donald) Swift, Matthew (Sarah) Barton, Ben Shaub (Autumn), Jacob (Maddie) Barton, Mary (Preston) Fisher and David Barton. Brother, Robert (Theresa) Davis. And, countless others. As soon as Mary took her last breath, she was immediately taken into heaven, where she was reunited with others from her faith family who passed on before her, including: Infant Son, Paul David. Mother, Helen (Slaven) Davis. Father, Blair Sharp. Stepfather, Robert Davis. Mother-in-law, Mary Barton. Father-in-law, William Barton; And, two of her beloved best friends, Delores Stewart and Betty Johnson. Mary would love to one day be reunited with you, as well. If you have not yet asked Jesus to come into your heart, now is the time. He loves you so much! Jesus invites you to join Him and He eagerly awaits your response. There is no better time than right now. To get started, say this simple prayer: 'Dear Jesus, thank you so much for loving me. I'm sorry for the bad things that I have done. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. I trust in You. Amen.' If you just said those words for the firat time, you have made the most important decision of your life, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, which is the only way to get to Heaven. You have received the gift of salvation, eternal life. Now, find a pastor or another faithful Christian and tell them about the life-changing decision you made today. Then, find a church family who will help you grow in your faith. Heaven is rejoicing, and Mary can't wait to welcome you."

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, November 3, 10am-12pm and 4pm-6pm , at Evermore Church in Hartville, Ohio. The funeral service will begin at 6pm , with Pastor Stuart King (Celebration Church Greentown) officiating. A private burial will take place at 11am on Friday, November 4.

In lieu of flowers, Mary's husband, Bob, has requested that donations be made to My Sister's Place, a non-profit organization started by their daughter that supports women in need. Donations can be sent to My Sister's Place, 862B W. Maple St, Hartville, Ohio 44632.