Mary Jo (Dick) Hellwarth

Mary Jo Hellwarth, 72, of Celina, passed away June 15, 2026, at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus. She was born August 29, 1953, in Celina, to the late Charles A. ”Cy” and Betty L. (Sullivan) Dick. 

Mary Jo and John S. Hellwarth were married on August 1, 1980. John survives, along with their daughter: Kristen Marie Hellwarth, DVM (Andy Navarro); son: Jordan Joseph Hellwarth; granddaughter: Marie Navarro Hellwarth; and her sister: Carol Dick, of Celina; as well as John’s sisters: Teala Hellwarth of Fort Wayne and Susan (Dan) Miller of Delaware, Ohio;  niece: Robin (Kyle) Thrush and their sons Miller and Abbott; nephew: Kent (Ashley) Miller and their daughter Violet; and her Dick family first cousins: Linda, Phil, Vickie, Terry and Nancy. 

John’s parents: John F. & Martha Jane (Shock) Hellwarth; aunts & uncles: Helen, Dorothy & Marvin, and Hubert & Jane; and cousins: Dick, Bob, and Phyllis, preceded her in death. 

Mary Jo was a 1971 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ohio University and a Master’s Degree from Wright State University.  

She taught at Sharpsburg, St. Henry, and Saint Mary of the Assumption Grade School in Van Wert and spent a number of years as an instructor with the Cheryl Ann Programs (MRDD). 

Mary Jo was co-owner and Funeral Director with her family’s firm, W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Homes in Celina and Mendon. After her father Cy’s death in 2002, she joined the business, leaving her career in education. She began her apprenticeship in 2003 and obtained her Funeral Director’s license in 2005.  

She also spent many hours working on the family’s dairy farm, helping out wherever she could.  

She had been a committee member of the Chamber of Commerce Adult Leadership Class; a 4-H Leader for the Hopewell Bawl, Grunt and Grow Club; and a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She was a member of the National, Ohio, and Buckeye 3rd District Funeral Directors Associations. 

Mary Jo was a member of the Celina Lions Club, having served a term as President; and the Western Ohio Guernsey Breeders Assn., serving as their Secretary.  

She enjoyed helping on the Mendon Festival of Trees Committee, and coming-up with a special theme each year for the tree she displayed at the “Town Hall Christmas”.  

Mary Jo liked thrift store shopping and going to the Senior Citizens Garage Sales. She always kept the house decorated for each season and holiday. 

Mary Jo was very creative and “artsy-craftsy”, dabbling in a variety of hobbies and interests over the years, when she found any spare time. 

She looked forward to going to Amherst Greenhouse in the Spring and coming home with a van full of plants and flowers to display around her home. 

Mary Jo enjoyed area Summer Concerts in the park; loved nature and bird watching; walks on the trails around Grand Lake; and was always interested in checking-up on the Pelicans. 

In keeping with Mary Jo’s wishes, there are private Graveside Rites Tuesday June 23, 2026 at North Grove Cemetery in Celina , with Pastor Bob Sweeney officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller Bros. Funeral Directors.