Mary A. Blalock

Mary A. Blalock, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025. She was born on November 4, 1949 to the late Devroe Strickland and Ruth Self Blalock. After her father passed in her early years, Bill Blalock came into her life and along with Ruth, affectionately raised her to be the wonderful woman she became. She leaves behind a legacy of selflessness and love that will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Mary dedicated 17 years of her career to cooking at the Rose Bowl in New Castle, where her culinary skills and warm personality made a lasting impression on many. No one else could make a grilled cheese sandwich like her. The special ingredient was the pinch of love she put in each one. Her education at Hughes High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, laid the foundation for her journey through life, where she blossomed into an amazing woman known for her feisty spirit and unwavering commitment to putting others before herself.

Those who knew Mary will surely remember her affectionately as a source of warmth and kindness. She embraced life with a heart full of love, always ready to share hugs and smiles. Mary had a zest for life that shone brightly in her hobbies and interests. Whether she was bowling with friends, crocheting beautiful creations, supporting her beloved Cincinnati Reds, or enjoying the excitement of WWE "Wrastlin," Mary lived each day to the fullest. She had a special fondness for Christmas and family gatherings, where she created memories that will be treasured forever. Her passion for travel often led her and her family to festivals such as Metamora Canal Days and Farmers Pike, where they relished the simple joys of life together. She also had a special love for Coke, and it was a well-known rule you do NOT take the last Coke, and if you did, you bought more!

Among her many proud accomplishments, Mary was honored to be inducted into the Henry County Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2010, a testament to her dedication and talent in the sport she loved.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 57 years, Dean Blalock; daughters Veronica Blalock, Deanna (Alan) Haltom, and Angela Blalock (Monty Ankrom); grandchildren Shay and Wesley Haltom; bonus grandchildren Blake Davis and family, Chelsea Muha and family, Chantel Godby and family, Toni Piper and family, Gina Woodard, and Kayla and Abby Haltom; siblings Reba Swain, Guinetta (Doug) Strickland, Wayne (Laura) Strickland, and Barbara (Rick) Phair; bonus sons Shawn and Tony Haltom; many nieces and nephews; many others friends; and her special bowling family.

Mary was preceded in death by her father Devroe Strickland; mother Ruth (Bill) Blalock; sister Roberta (Pete) Barrett; in-laws Frazier (Geneva) Lawson; and brothers-in-law George Swain and Junior Lewis.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Reverend Tony Piper officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 11:00am until the time of service. Memorial Contributions can be made in her honor to the Henry County Bowling Association Scholarship Fund at 829 South 15th Street, New Castle, IN. You may express condolences or share a memory of Mary at www.hinsey-brown.com.