from harnessracing.com

Lexington, KY — Mary Ethel Stroud, 90, of Scio, Ohio, died May 8, 2015, in Community Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Stroud worked alongside her husband, Hobart “Hobe,” in their mobile starting gate. Hobart Stroud Starting Gates, with Mary at the wheel, started races at numerous Ohio county fairs for 30 years and at Rosecroft Raceway for nine years.

Born Jan. 3, 1925, in Jewett, Ohio, she was graduated from Scio High School in 1942 and furthered her education in numerous business courses. She spent 40 years in banking; 37 years were at the Scio Bank and the last three she managed the AmeriTrust Bank in Wintersville, Ohio, retiring in 1982.

A devoted member of the Scio community, Mrs. Stroud was a member of the Scio United Methodist Church, Scio Alturian Club, Scio Development Committee, Scio Historical Museum, Scio American Legion Auxiliary, the former Scio Civic Club, and the retirees of the NABW. She was also a former board member of the Puskarich Public Library in Cadiz, Ohio. She and Hobart were named Scio Citizens of the Year in 2003.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Hobart B.; son, Timothy P. Scott; grandsons, Matt and Tyler; granddaughter, Sarah; step-daughter, Tammy Cinkan; and three step-grandchildren, Shawn, April and Michael. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Justin Scott in 2007 and a brother, Dean Kimmel in 1945, when he lost his life during World War II at the Battle of the Bulge.

Services will be held Tuesday (May 12) at 11 a.m. in Koch Funeral Home, Scio, with Rev. Jack Visser officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Jewett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Scio Library, Main St., Scio or Community Hospice House, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.