Mary Marcilene (Tharp) Tankovits, 95, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at East Ohio Regional Hospital's Long Term Care, Martins Ferry where she had been a resident for over 12 years. She was shown so much love by all the staff who cared for her.

She was born June 5, 1922 in Dillonvale, OH a daughter of the late James and Helen (Vlcek) Tharp. Mary graduated from Bellaire High School in 1940 and then went to work as a clerk at Continental Can until her marriage to Frank A. Tankovits, Sr. in August 1948. After her children were in high school, she returned to work for Martins Ferry Schools in the cafeteria from where she retired. Mary was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Martins Ferry, Catholic Women's Club and Catholic Daughters. Mary was a friendly person and always struck up a conversation with everyone she met. She loved to laugh and always reminded her family how important laughter was for good health. She and Frank were avid dancers and caught the eye of many admirers on the dance floor.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Helen Koonce and Irene Robinson.

Surviving are her daughter, Susan (Douglas) Elliott, her son, Frank A. Tankovits, Jr., her brother, James (Darlene) Tharp, five grandchildren; Todd Elliott, Melissa (Joe) Heiler and Heather, Shane and Lori Tankovits and eight great grandchildren; Matthew and Landon Elliott, Brayden, Alayna and Ava Heiler and Elijah, Bryce and Ryder Tankovits.

Friends and family will be received Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 20 N. 4th St., Martins Ferry. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated at noon with Rev. Tom Marut officiating. Entombment follows at St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, Martins Ferry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Infant Jesus of Prague, St. Mary's Catholic, 20 N. 4th St., Martins Ferry, OH 43935. Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this posting.