Obituary for Mary Utzman
Utzman – Mary, 95. Johnstown, PA, passed away on May 23, 2024 at Arbutus Park Manor. Mary is
preceded in death by her parents Matt and Anna (Zugelj) Rus, husband Robert A. Utzman, brother
Joseph Rus who served and lost his life in World War II, and son Robert James Utzman. Also preceded in
death by brother-in-law Carl Tokarsky, mother-in-law Jennie Rexroth and her husband Aaron, sister-in-law Hermina Smilnak and her husband George, brother-in-law James Rexroth, sister-in-law and best
friend Elsie Utzman, and nephews Thomas Smilnak, Robert Susa, and Ernest Susa. Mary is survived by
sisters Anna Susko (James) and Hermina Tokarsky, daughter Mary Grace Ross (John) and daughter Jane
Utzman (David Heatwole) and four grandchildren who brought her great pride and joy: Emily Ross,
Jennifer Ross, Eric Heatwole, and Troy Heatwole. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was born and raised in Krayn, PA. Her parents immigrated from Slovenia just prior to the Great
Depression. Although she grew up during difficult times, Mary always carried on with a smile and chose
to look at the bright side of life. This attitude got her through hardships, but also gained her many
friends.
Mary graduated from Adams Township High School and attended cosmetology school, however never
worked in that profession. Instead, she worked in the Krayn General Store for her best friend Elsie’s
brother, Bob Utzman, who later became her husband. They married on May 3, 1953. They also operated
the Llanfair Grocery Store. After they began their family, Mary was a homemaker and loved to welcome
her nieces, nephews, and her children’s friends into her home. Everyone enjoyed Mary’s wit,
conversation, and delicious desserts. Her home was a home-away-from-home for many. After her
youngest daughter went on to college, Mary joined Bob working in the real estate business (Century 21
All Service, Inc) developing affordable housing and selling real estate in Cambria County. Mary worked on
the advertising and promotion of the business and just loved talking with all the customers and agents.
After Bob’s death in 1990, Mary retired.
Mary then transitioned to Richland Woods Assisted Living where she lived for over four years. Over the
past two years, Mary has lived in Arbutus Park Manor. Mary’s positive attitude and beautiful smile won
her many friends in her new home – both staff and residents alike. She loved talking about her
grandchildren and growing up in the Krayn/Dunlo area. Her positive attitude was infectious as she
inspired many with her kind and encouraging words. She was the personification of positivity.
Mary was a member of S.N.P.J Lodge 174 and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Her family would like to thank the nurses, aides, and staff of Arbutus Retirement Community for making
her stay so comfortable and for providing Mary and her family with friendship and comfort. We would
also like to thank Windber Hospice for their care over Mary’s last days.
Friends will be received for visitation Thursday, May 30th from 4-7 pm at the Jean H. Kinley Funeral Home
in Beaverdale PA. A religious service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 31st at the Kinley Funeral
Home officiated by Pastor Jon Estes. Committal to follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery, Dunlo, PA. Flowers
or charitable contributions are welcome. Suggested contributions are Arbutus Park Retirement
Community, Benevolent Care Fund at 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown, PA 15904, Windber Hospice, 600
Somerset Avenue, Windber, PA 15963, or the charity of your choice.
To plant a tree in memory of Mary Utzman, visit the Tribute Store.
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