It is with much sorrow, but also comfort that Mary Jane (Harshbarger) Nesbitt of rural Crawfordsville, has passed from this home into the home of her Savior, Saturday evening, Dec. 16, 2023. She fought a courageous three-year cancer battle while showing her tremendous strength, faith and love.
Mary was born Oct. 14, 1952, at Crawfordsville, to Richard and Julia (Ehrie) Harshbarger. She and her twin sister came into this world seven weeks early and survived despite the odds. Mary graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1970 and then attended Lafayette Beauty Academy to become a hair stylist. She worked at her profession for 33 years and loved visiting with all her clients, many of whom she is still close to. After closing her business, she began working at Tuttle Middle School, which later became Crawfordsville Middle School, as the front desk secretary. During her 13 years there she again formed friendships that are still strong today.
Mary loved the Lord and was a member of Rock Point Church where she volunteered in the office and wherever else she was needed and she attended small group Bible studies. She loved being with her family and friends. Mary was a wonderful cook and loved to bake. She was especially known for her delicious pies. She was a fan of Purdue and attended many basketball games over the years.
She married Thomas “Gary” Nesbitt on April 24, 1987. They began Nesbitt Construction Inc. and enjoyed many years working together in their business.
Mary is survived by her husband Gary; son Brian Morrison; daughter Michelle Oakley; five grandchildren, Jordan (Stephanie) Nave, Kourtney (Zach Bowman) Bradley, Jaycee Zimmerman, Keagan Oakley and Kyla Oakley; great-grandson Rylan Bowman; Gary’s children, Amy (Jay) Hacker, Amanda Galle and Travis (Jon Bergman) Nesbitt; and seven step-grandchildren, Simon and Joshua Hacker, Jack, Tyler and Drew Galle, Ryan Bergman Nesbitt and Lucy Bergman Nesbitt.
Her siblings; Tom (Connie) Harshbarger, Roger (Sandy) Harshbarger, twin sister Martha (Dan) Goff, and Carol (Scott) Miles, many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents and many aunts and uncles.
Mary’s family extends sincere gratitude to IU Simon Cancer Center and IU Hospice, as well as everyone’s thoughts and prayers, flowers, cards, food and visits.
Honoring Mary’s wishes, cremation was chosen. Visitation will be held noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 followed by a celebration of life service at 2 p.m. at Rock Point Church, Crawfordsville, with Pastor Terry Thompson officiating.
In lieu of floral arrangements, the family prefers donations in Mary’s memory be made to Rock Point Church.
Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting the family.
Visit www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
