Mary Ellen Crimmel

Mary Ellen “MeeMee” Crimmel, 88, born October 13, 1935, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 29, 2024, in Westerville, OH at The Village Senior Living. 

She was born in Columbus, OH and is preceded in death by Larry Crimmel, her husband of 55 years, her parents Dr. Dorence Orlando Hankinson and Eloise (Mantle) Hankinson, and her sister Martha Jean Hudson. She is survived by her children Burt (Leesa) Crimmel, and Mitzi (Steve) Gresock; grandchildren Madigan, Rylee (Jamie), Mary Kate (Jeremy), Donnelee, Chase and Carson; and great-grandchild James. Mary was a graduate of Upper Arlington High School and Otterbein College where she received Bachelor of Science in Education. Soon after graduating she moved to California, where she met Larry. They lived on Balboa Island and spent much of their free time with Larry’s brother and his family, John (Helen) Crimmel, and their young sons Doug, Chuck and Steve Crimmel. They were married in 1965 on New Year’s Eve. The following year they moved back to Ohio to be close to family. 

While back in Ohio they enjoyed day trips to Marietta to see nieces and nephews Ronda & (Kurt ) Mcgregor, Scott Coplin, Cindy & (Roger) Nolan , Cindy & Emerson (Coalt) and last but not least John Storms. 

Mary Ellen was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa International Sorority, D.A.R and The Order of Eastern Star. 

Mary Ellen retired from the Columbus City Schools. She always said her best years were at Alpine Elementary School, teaching with Lauretta Level Anderson. 

Some of Mary Ellen’s fondest memories were visiting her sister Martha (Fred) Hutson in North Carolina and going to Myrtle Beach with her niece Lynne (Steve) Danekas. 

Mary Ellen also enjoyed trips with her college roommate Joanne (Ed) Barboza and their children Scott, Brad, Lynne and Catherine. 

She had the best of times while playing bridge with her friends: Known as The Bridge Group. Ellen Chichka, Mary Ann Metro, Sandy Strohl, Becky Regas, Pat Trimble, Kay Peltier, Nan Grandstaff. And we are sure she is now enjoying cards again with Connie Hill, Sue Henthorn, Georgia Rust, Beverly Cox, and Lois Battinger. 

The family would like to give a great thanks to Willow Brook Senior Care Center in Delaware, and The Villages of Westerville Senior Living Center and Hospice. Celebration of Life will be scheduled for June. The family welcomes donations to Heartland Hospice, 6500 Busch Blvd, Columbus OH 43229, as an expression of sympathy.