Mary Jane Dillman

Mary Jane Dillman, 87, of Mt. Summit received her angel wings on Friday, May 10, 2024 after a year-long courageous fight with cancer. She was born on August 26, 1936 in Summitville, IN to the late Ray and Edna (Lewis) Carter.

Mary Jane graduated from Mt. Summit High School in 1954. She worked several jobs throughout her life but being a Mom, grandmother and wife was her #1 priority. After being an only child, all she ever wanted was to have a family. 

Mary Jane resided in Mt. Summit for 60+ years. Her and John spent 25 years every winter in their Florida home in Haines City, Fla.

She had been a member of the Mt. Summit Christian Church for over 50 years and was actively involved until later in her life.

She was very social and loved to host events. For many years she and John hosted a New Years Eve party for close friends. She started a local “Red Hats” club where she has served as leader and planner for all of the activities.. As well as a member of Ceemoh Home Ec club and held many offices until it dissolved. 

Mary Jane loved to decorate for all holidays and anyone who knew or visited her home knew that. She took great pride in presenting a loving home, fully decorated for whatever holiday or event that was being celebrated. 

Christmas was her favorite time of year and in order to be ready she began preparing in early November if not before. She built a tradition for a family Christmas that all of the children, grandchildren and spouses have grown to cherish as well as a memory for all to hold on to. Christmas parties for her friends were always held at her home.The happiness and joy it brought to her was unmeasurable. This was her gift to the world.

Birthdays were special to her not for herself but for her family. The birthday person would have a special plate to eat off of, choose the menu for the meal and always had a birthday cookie specifically for them no matter how many birthdays were being celebrated on that day.  

Her greatest accomplishment in life was her family and she taught us how to love and appreciate what family is.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, John Dillman; Children, Rhonda (Jim) Stokes, Jeff (Marsha) Dillman, and Angela (Terry) Bales; Grandchildren, Jedidiah (Dusti) Cummings, Jordan (Jessica Petersen) Cummings, Kelcy Bales, Brennen (Kalie) Bales and Step-granddaughter, Michelle Bertram; Great-Grandchildren, Trighton, Arianna and Sawyer Cummings and Grace and Maddie Bales; Special bonus daughter, Patti (Carlton) Willhardt; two special nephews and several cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Linc and June Gifford.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Tony May officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Summit Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17 and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kelcy Cares, PO Box 101 Mt. Summit, IN 47361. You may express condolences or share a memory of Mary at www.hinsey-brown.com.