Mary Ellen (Schlegel) Gingerich went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the West Huron Bluewater Rest home in Zurich, Ontario, in her 90th year. Mary Ellen was born in East Zorra Township near Tavistock, Ontario on August 17, 1936. Predeceased by her loving husband Melvin James Gingerich (2000). Loving mother of Darla Miller of Marysville, Tennessee, Darrel and his wife Deb Gingerich of Zurich, Ontario, Donna and her husband Tim Cooper of Zurich, Ontario, and Dwight Gingerich of Fresno, California. Devoted Grandma of Caleb and Natasha Miller of Marysville, Tennessee, Sherese and Eric Heichelheim of Denver, Colorado, Greg and Liz Cooper of Exeter, Ontario, Jordyn Cooper of London, Ontario, Kerstan and Josh Dozois of Hensall, Ontario, Taylor and M’Lynn Gingerich of Zurich, Ontario, Allison and Jon Wicks of Zurich, Ontario, Cassie Gingerich of Zurich, Ontario, Isabella and Israel Gingerich of Fresno, California. She will be sadly missed by her 7 great grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Clayton and Shirley Steckle of Exeter, Ontario, and her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Omer and Oleava Schlegel, sister and brother-in-law Vernetta and Olin Stienman, mother and father-in-law Roy and Ida Gingerich and son-in-law Dean Miller.
Mary Ellen grew up on a farm outside of Tavistock, Ontario. Met the love of her life Mel and they were married on September 1,1962. They raised a family of 2 girls and 2 boys on the family farm 5 miles north of Zurich, Ontario. Mary Ellen spent her days helping on the farm, in the barn every day helping with milking the cows, cleaning and bedding stalls and whatever else was involved in the everyday chores. They enjoyed camping, travelling and snowmobiling but Mary Ellen’s passion was sewing, knitting and quilting. She was a gifted seamstress, creating her own wedding dress and making most of the clothes for the children throughout the years. Later in life quilting kept her busy and she loved to read. As her eye sight began to diminish and her fingers could no longer manage a needle and thread, the next chapter in her story was difficult.
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven a time to be born, and a time to die a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,4
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 49 Goshen Street North, ZURICH on Tuesday, February 24th from 6 – 8 PM.
Mary Ellen’s Funeral Service will be held at the Kingsfield Zurich Mennonite Church, 37818 Zurich Hensall Road, ZURICH on Wednesday, February 25th at 11 AM. Spring interment will be held at Kingsfield Zurich Mennonite Cemetery.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfxOizePbEqadf43b6CzsxQ.
Donations to Blue Water Rest Home in Mary Ellen’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Sandi Mccarron
Dear family of Mary Ellen,
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear Mom. I trust that knowing where she (& your Dad) will spend eternity is a great comfort to you all. Her faith in Jesus was evident in her life. That is true treasure.
With love,
Sandi McCarron
Tracy McLennan
To the Gingerich family,
My condolences on the passing of your mother/grandmother. Thinking of you during this difficult time. May the many wonderful memories you have bring you comfort.
Tracy McLennan
Patti Munnings
I met Mary Ellen when we were in the hospital at the same time. We kept in touch for a long time after that. She always wanted to make me a quilt but as time went on sadly it never came to be because of health challenges She was a gentle lady whom I was glad to have as a friend. May the Lord give you comfort at this hard time. Sincerely, Patti Munnings
Caroline Balcaen
Darla, Darrel, Donna, Dwight and families.
I am sorry I am not able to be at the funeral today but will be watching virtually. Mark and I want to express our condolences. Although I have not lived in the area for many years I thought of your family and mother often. I remember fondly family summer picnics, sleep overs and times at the beach as children. May your precious memories of your mom help you though this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Jenn&Chad Patterson
Donna, Tim and family. We are sending our love and prayers in the loss of your Mom, Grandma. Xo
Kevin and Lorraine
You are all in our thoughts during this time of loss. We pray you will be comforted with the memories of G-ma
Keith & Janet Bachert
Sending heartfelt sympathy to Darla, Darrel, Donna , Dwight and your families, Your loving Mother and our dear friend has left us . We cherish the many moments we had with both of your dear parents . May the love and memories YOU shared bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time .
Sincerely, Keith & Janet
Mark Heimrich
Darla, Darrel & Deb, Donna & Tim, Dwight and families; Shirley & Clayton and family,
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your dear Mother, Grandmother and sister-in- law. Mary Ellen was a kind and lovely person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers are with you all. My Mother, Marilyn Heimrich, also wishes to express her sympathy at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer; and Marilyn Heimrich
Arnie and Bev Martin
I want to extend my sympathy to all of you as you say your final good bye. Cherish your memories of her. She was a dear friend to my mom when they lived across the street from each other in Zurich
Carol & Glenn Gascho
Our Condolences to Mary Ellen’s family. She was a kind & gifted woman and will be missed by many. May good memories be a comfort.
Ken Oesch
To Mary Ellen’s Family
My Condolence Darla, Darrel, Donna & Dwight and families on the passing of Mom.
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Jeremy Becker
Sincere Condolences to the Family.
Russell and Verona Snider
We certainly remember the good times we spent playing together travelling. They were great times as we were booth raising out children together. Our sympathy goes out to those she left behind. May the peace of God flood your souls at this time.
Doyle Miller
To the Gingerich family,
We have shared many life experiences over the years. The joys of weddings and welcoming new additions into our families. The pain of parting with loved ones who have passed on to their eternal glory with the Lord.
We send you our deepest condolences and love during this time of grief and loss. May the good memories of your Mom and Grandma be a source of joy for you all in the days to come.
May God be your peace and comfort.
The Millers
Doyle, Rhonda, Harmony and Gabriel
Donna OBrien
Mary Ellen was a quiet, sweet lady! My condolences to her entire family! Sincerely, Donna
Jason Bourne
Gingerich Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Darren & Lisa McKinley
My sincere condolences to Darla, Darrel, Donna, Dwight, and your families. I hold so many fond memories of the time we spent together on the family farm — moments filled with laughter, warmth, and togetherness. You have always been such a caring and welcoming family. I’m so very sorry for your loss, and I’m keeping you all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Sharon Overholt
To all of Mary Ellen family.
So sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cam & Kathy Steckle
Gingerich Family
Sending our deepest sympathies to all of you on the loss of your Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.
Sincerely,
Cam & Kathy Steckle
Lorri, Rick and Rachel Behnish
Darla, Darrel, Donna, Dwight and family
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your mom. I pray that as the months and years pass, you will find peace in the memories you created together.
Bill and Carol Deichert
We’re so sorry to hear of MaryEllen’passing. She will be missed greatly by her family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. May God hold you close and comfort you as only He can Bill and Carol
Sheryl T Vendl
Dear Dwight, Isabella, Izzie & Gingerich family. Wishing you comfort at the loss of you mum and grandma. She sounds like such a strong, determined, loving and talented woman. I know Dwight from when my son played hockey and can only imagine how proud she must have been of you, Dwight. You are incredible juggling parents requests (whether reasonable or not), a master of teaching children, inspiring them, and sharing your love of hockey. I am grateful to have had my son get to know you & work with you. Such a sense of humor and a gentleman! Since we share a birthday & you are such a good human, I just wanted to send best wishes from Matthew and I even though I have not had the honor of meeting your mum. Hugs!! Take good care.
Kevin and Brenda Regier
Our sincerest condolences for you and your family at this time. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. Hugs and prayers
Jim and Norma
Gingerich Family. we send our sympathy to all of you. Mary Ellen was a precious lady. Jim and Norma Grainger
Allan and Patty Case
Our sincere condolences. Cherish all the wonderful memories.
Mary Lou Erb
Deepest sympathy to the to the Gingerich family in this time of sorrow
Kathy and Jay Tofflemire
To Mary Ellen’s Family and friends – please accept our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
Jim Oesch
To Mary Ellen’s family
So sorry to hear of her passing, she will be missed by many . Hugs for you all 💖
Randall Oke
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mary Ellen’s passing.
Mary Ellen was not only a valued client, but a genuinely kind and gracious person. It was always a pleasure to work with her, and I truly appreciated the trust she placed in me. She carried herself with quiet strength and warmth, and she will be remembered for that.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with your family as you celebrate her life and cherish the many memories you shared.
With sympathy,
Randy Oke
Donna Herman
Thinking of U All ! Sorry for Your Loss !
Evelyn Vincent
To Mary Ellen’s family and loved ones.
Sincere sympathy. Mary Ellen was loved and appreciated by many. May God grant peace and comfort in this difficult time.