Mary A. Backus

Mary A. Backus, 77 of Massillon, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2015. Mary was born on August 1, 1937 in Massillon the daughter of the late Louis Kouth and Mary E. (Harmon) Backus. Mary was a lifelong resident of the area and a 1955 graduate of Brewster High School. Following graduation she attended Ohio University and obtained a Cadet Teacher's certificate. She worked at many places throughout her life, but primarily taught at the North Lawrence and Massillon School Districts. Mary enjoyed spending time helping family members and worshiping and serving at Justus U.M.C. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard C. Backus in 2006 and her grandson Adam Backus. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Michael (Marsha) Backus, Jeffrey Backus, Scot Backus, Doug (Donna) Backus, Bradley (Megan Gutshall) Backus, and Julie (Jamie) Hamilton; her brothers, Richard Allen Kouth and William John (Mary Sue) Kouth; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Mary's life will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Justus U.M.C.: 11771 Navarre Rd. SW Navarre, OH 44662. Rev. Brian Allen officiating. Interment will follow at Newman Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home in Massillon on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral & Crematory (330) 833-4839