Mary Delaplane Huggins McBride

Mary Delaplane Huggins McBride, 94, passed away quietly in her Hillsboro home on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012.

She was born Dec. 12, 1917 in Hillsboro, the daughter of the late Burch Delaplane and Nina Glenn Huggins.

Mary attended the Hillsboro public schools, graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., in 1936 and then from Duke University in Durham, N.C. in 1938.

A lifelong resident of Hillsboro, she enjoyed living in the country. She loved animals, owning and riding horses most of her adult life, always accompanied by one of her series of dogs.

She enjoyed experiencing the outdoors, taking many adventurous horseback pack trips in the mountains of the western United States. She also traveled the world, seeing places as far removed as Antarctica. She shared her love of horses and travels with her entire family, taking grandchildren with her across the globe and teaching everyone, including some of her
great-grandchildren, how to ride. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she always looked forward to their visits. When home, she tended her horses and dog, read, knitted, sewed, and spent time with her family. She was intensely proud of her Hillsboro roots and was known for her independent streak, her strong will and her ability to cope with all obstacles put in her path. Her family felt she was remarkable and will miss her greatly.

She is survived by her son, John K. (Prella) McBride of Lafayette, Ind., three grandchildren, John Scott (Susan) McBride of Chicago, Ill., Daniel Philips (Ami) McBride of West Lafayette Ind., and Rebecca McBride(David) Klepser, of Charlotte, N.C. and seven great-grandchildren, Nichole, James, Ava, Alex, and Ben McBride and Andrew and Owen Klepser.

Her parents, and brother, William Glenn Huggins, preceded her in death. The family sends a special thank you to the Home Helpers staff for the loving care and devotion they showed to Mary over the last seven years.

If desired, memorial gifts honoring her life may be directed to the Highland County Humane Society, P.O. Box 471, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 or a charity of the donor’s choice. A private family service will be held at a later date. The Rev. Maurice Mitchell will officiate.

The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family.

For more information, go to www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.