Mary Flanagan

Mary Elizabeth Flanagan, 88 of Zanesville died at 12:41 AM Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Genesis Hospital unexpectedly.

She was born on December 26, 1936, in Zanesville, Ohio, the daughter of John Walter Combs Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Nosker Combs.

Mary was an active member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon for many years. A graduate of Lash School’s last class, the class of 1954, Mary’s thirst for knowledge and commitment to education did not stop at her own achievements. She pursued higher education with vigor, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Muskingum College and a Master’s in Education from Ohio University. For over three decades, Mary shaped the minds and futures of countless students in the Zanesville City School System, retiring in 2002 after a distinguished career. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and volunteered with many organizations including her church, civic organizations & the Salvation Army.

An avid reader, Mary found joy in the pages of books, particularly those on genealogy and history, subjects that allowed her to connect with her roots and share stories with her beloved family. She is survived by a loving family that includes her son, Mark A. (Patty) Snyder; daughter, Libby (Tony) Hardwick; step-son, Tracy R. (Vickie) Flanagan; grandchildren, Derek Snyder, Joshua (Alexanderia) Hardwick, Alyssa (River Marzetti) Hardwick, Madison (Prescot “PD” McMorrow) Hardwick, Paige (Adam Calvert) Hardwick, Dalton Flanagan, and Spenser Hardwick; and great-grandchildren, Emmalyn McMorrow, August McMorrow, Theo Hardwick, and Finn Snyder. Mary’s cherished pets, Lucy and Sinatra, also survived her, having brought joy and companionship to her life.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver “Ollie” Louis Flanagan, a daughter, Robyn Kimble and a brother, John Walter Combs Jr.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home with funeral service at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in the Zanesville Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Shelter, 1430 Newark Road Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or to the Oliver Flanagan Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o the Muskingum County Community Foundation, 534 Putnam Ave, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.

The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville, is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Mary’s family please visit www.BryanHardwickFH.com