Mary Ellen Sensabaugh

Mary Ellen Sensabaugh, 70 of Gaylord, passed away Monday, May 27, 2019 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Born in Fremont, Michigan on January 5, 1949, Mary was the daughter of Earl W. and Gladys E. (Bennett) Trimm.

On June 27, 1970, Mary was united in marriage to Leo F. Sensabaugh at the West Michigan Avenue United Methodist Church in Saginaw.

That same year she graduated from Alma College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  In 1973, she received a Master’s Degree in Reading from Western Michigan University and later, in 1990, she also received a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Grand Valley State University.

A dedicated teacher, Mary taught in Walkerville, Reed City and Harrison schools as an elementary school, middle school and special education teacher.

Following a family tradition, Mary was active in 4-H, both as a young person and later as a leader. She was also an active member and Past President of the Michigan Girlstown Board of Directors, Michigan Pilgrimage and General Federation of Women’s Clubs, where she held numerous officer positions.

Through the years, Mary and Leo lived in Hart, Northport, LeRoy and Farwell.  In 2012, they moved to Gaylord from Farwell.  Mary remained active in her Gaylord Community where she was a member of Gaylord First United Methodist Church.  At the church, she was spiritual leader and a member of the executive board of United Methodist Women.

Surviving is Leo, her husband of almost 49 years; her son, Thomas Earl Sensabaugh of Gaylord; and her grandson, Jace Thomas Sensabaugh.

Mary’s family will visit with friends from 3:00-7:00 PM Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Gaylord First United Methodist Church where visitation will begin at 1:30 PM.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to New Life Pregnancy Resource Center, Ultrasound Clinic Fund in Gaylord.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com