Mary Jane (Phillips) Vota was born on August 19, 1941 to John and Elizabeth Phillips. She grew

up with her sister Clara (Craig) Munn and brother John (Jean) Phillips in Dillonvale, Ohio.

Mary graduated from Dillonvale High School in 1959 where she was a majorette. She went on

to get her degree at Columbus Business School before moving to California where she lived for

20 years. Mary enjoyed a career as an independent business woman working for multiple

companies as an executive assistant. She was an adventurous woman in the 1960s and 70s

and traveled around the world, including a 10-day camping trip in the Australian outback! She

had many stories of exploring and learning about various cultures. Mary retired from her job at

250 Auto where she ran the administrative office.

In 1984, Mary attended her high school reunion and was reunited with a high school beau, John

Vota. Mary and John were married in 1985 and enjoyed 38 years together. She joined the Vota

family and was a loving step-mother and grandmother throughout that time. Mary and John

went on many adventures around the world, including motorcycling in the Western United

States, traveling with their family to Italy, Myrtle Beach, California, and Florida, as well as many

trips with their friends. They enjoyed attending and participating in golf tournaments. They

shared multiple hobbies over their marriage but particularly loved golf, skiing, and motorcycle

riding. Mary also enjoyed her regular walks with her girlfriends at the mall and the years of

friendship. She was a gentle soul, a skilled knitter, an avid reader, and The Hallmark Channel's

number one fan.

Later in life, John and Mary moved back to Mount Pleasant to enjoy the small town farm life.

They loved watching the horses from the front porch, spending time with family outside, and

tending to the pumpkin patch where she earned the nickname 'Blister'.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, John Vota, and step-

children Jackie (Jeff) Yao, Jamie (Rick Ricchetti) Vota, John Michael (Sherry) Vota. She was

"Mimi" to grandchildren Austin and Victoria Yao, Justine (Chris) Reed, Gage, Alaire, and Janell

Vota as well as great-grandchildren, Graham and Calvin Reed.

Contributions in Mary's honor can be made to Historical Society of Mount Pleasant, Valley Hospice Liza's Place or the Friends Church of Mount Pleasant - organizations Mary cared deeply for or who cared for Mary and our family.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Wilson Funeral Home, Dillonvale, Ohio, will be assisting the family.

Historical Society of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio
342 Union St, Mt. Pleasant OH 43939
Tel: 1-800-752-2631

Liza's Place
10686 St. Rt. 150, Rayland OH 43943

Mt. Pleasant Evangelical Friends Church
478 Union Street, Mt. Pleasant OH 43939
Tel: 1-740-769-2205