Mary Lee Buhs
Mary Lee Buhs, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away at the age of 93 on November 26, 2023. She left behind a legacy of love and family that will forever be remembered by all that met her. Mary was born to William Estes and Eva Beula Mae Ozbun in Kane Illinois on May 20, 1930.
Mary met the love of her life, Marion Walter Buhs when the two of them were employed at Owens Illinois Glasswork (O.I.) in Alton, Ill. during the depression. They married on October 16, 1948 and had five children. They moved to Charlotte, Michigan in December of 1967 when Marion and Mary transferred to the Charlotte O.I. Plant. Mary retired from O.I after 30 years of employment and then became an entrepreneur by starting a Dog Grooming Business which she successfully managed for ten years.
Her family was her passion, and she leaves behind a sprawling family tree that includes five children, twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Mary’s home was always filled with laughter and food as she enjoyed feeding anyone who came within the vicinity of her home, including the squirrels. She was famous for her homemade rhubarb pie. Mary Lee’s sharp wit and her not-safe-for work humor made her one of kind. She taught all her grandkids the importance of family and their first swear word. She always said what was on her mind and had the kindest heart and never let go of her southern soul.
Mary is survived by her children, Diana (Larry) Carter, Michael (Pam) Buhs, Vanessa Buhs (Michael Moran), and Alan Buhs; her grandchildren, Dameon (Jenni) Rohdy, Maggie Rohdy, Sadie Rohdy, Gabe (Becky) Carter, Mandy Brand, Lyndsay Carter, Caleb (Alison) Buhs, Audra (Paul) Birchmeier, Dayton (Alisha) Buhs, Nicole (Caleb) DeBattista, Monica (Jesse) Telfer, Jessica Buhs; 19 great -grandchildren; and her special friend, Cathy Reed.
Mary Lee is preceded in death by her son, Kevin (1969) and her husband, Marion (2013); her daughter–in-law Cristine Buhs; and her siblings, Gilbert Morris, Francis Woodring, William Edward Estes, Thomas Estes, Andrew Jackson Estes, Henrietta McRae, Donald Estes, and Betty Darr.
Everyone who loved Mary Lee feels comfort knowing that she is spending time with her son Kevin, her siblings and continuing the saga of loving, fighting, and making up with Marion again as only true soulmates can.
Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no service.
A donation in Mary’s memory to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.