Obituary of Mary Jean Bucher

Mary Jean Bucher (née Mendenhall) died peacefully among family in her cherished home on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 in Boalsburg, PA at the age of 83.

Mary was born June 9, 1937 in Muncy, PA of Esther and Carlton "Mendy" Mendenhall with her older sister Ruth. She graduated from Montoursville High School in 1955. She began her life-long work of forging family in Muncy, PA before moving to Boulder, CO—where her Christian Faith flourished among dear friendships. She lived in Farmington, NM, Glenwood Springs, CO, and East Liverpool OH, before returning to Montoursville, PA and then finally settled into State College, PA for the final 35 years of her life—where she worked 10 years as a secretary in the counseling office of the State College Area High School, and met and married her steady soul mate and laughter partner, Phil.

Mary expressed her faithful optimism and dogged determination for life in whatever she did—whether achieving "get 'er done" DIY life hacks before it was cool, mentoring young families in Christ through small group ministry, caring for her precious canine companions, arranging bouquets from her expansive garden, volunteer-ministering to the infirmed at Mt. Nittany Hospital, sculpting the essence of her grandchildren out of clay, stretching her horizons in yoga, or leaving a lasting imprint of spirit on her many health-care workers late in life.

Mary lives on in the hearts of both her countless friends and dearest treasure of family, including her husband Phil. Son Brad 62, and his wife Kathy Shoemaker of Lakewood, CO. Grandson Kevin and his wife Kim Shoemaker with Great Granddaughters Hailie and Brooke and Great Grandson Desmond. Grandson Michael and his wife Amy Shoemaker, with Great Grandsons Raffe and Kade and Great Granddaughter Vivien. Grandson Mark and Meghan with Great Grandson Carter. Son Richard, 59, and his wife Rachel Shoemaker of Westminster, CO. Granddaughter Christine and her husband Shaun with Great Grandson Avery (and one more great grandson on the way). Granddaughter Patricia and her husband Ararat, with Great Grandsons Mason and Noah. Daughter Jennifer, 55, and her husband Darren Landro of Saylorsburg, PA. Grandson Mathew and his wife Alex Landro and Granddaughter Sarah Landro and her fiancé TJ Grealy. Son Nathaniel, 43, and his wife Catie Rasmussen of State College, PA with Grandsons Owen and Leo. Step Daughter Laurie Rasmussen. Step Daughter Cindy Sweeley, with Granddaughters Amber and Ariel, and Grandson Nathan. Step Son Randy and his wife Sally Bucher with Grandson Brady and Granddaughter Brenna. Sister-in-law Liz and her husband Rick Ball and their son James and his wife Becca. 4 nieces and nephews, several cousins—including sister-in-spirit Sherry and her husband Jack Evans, and many other beloved family members.

A brief outdoor Memorial Service is scheduled for 11am Saturday, April 24, at Grace Lutheran Church's Columbarium in State College, PA. Rev. Scott E. Schul will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary's life in this outdoor ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum at 163 Boal Estate Drive, PA 16827, or TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania at PO Box 318 Boalsburg, PA 16827. The family would like to thank Grane Hospice Care for their compassionate care and support.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.