Mary Lou Frontz

Mary Lou (Carter) Frontz passed away on August 11, 2023 at the Elmwood at the Shawhan at the age of 91.

Mary Lou was born on October 23, 1932 in Toledo, OH to John Franklin Carter and Ida Shiley Carter and grew up in Tiffin. Mary Lou was formerly married to William Smith and this marriage produced, James (Vicky), Thomas (Glenette), and Patricia Smith. In 1978, Mary Lou married the love of her life, Howard L. Frontz. Upon Howard’s retirement, the couple moved to Tucson and Show Low, Arizona, returning to Tiffin in 1992 when Howard’s health began to fail.

Mary Lou was a very giving person who was always willing to help her family in times of need. Her positivity, compassion and caring nature was evident to anyone who was lucky enough to have spent time with her. She cared deeply for the people around her. She made an impact on many lives and set a wonderful example of how to help others and to be selfless.

Being active in the auxiliary of various veterans’ organizations was a big part of Mary Lou’s life. She looked forward to taking part in the annual Memorial Day parade in Tiffin. She also enjoyed traveling and spoke highly and often of the trips to North Carolina she went on with her niece, Nina and her husband Jim and their children.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Howard Frontz in 1995, her three children and nine Carter and Dryfuse brothers and sisters.

Survivors include Mary Lou’s sister, Kathy Dryfuse Miller, special niece, Nina Roush and her husband Jim and their family as well as special nephew, Robert Corey Dryfuse and his wife Corrie and their family. Other survivors include grandsons, Thomas Smith, Jr., James Smith Jr. and Patrick Smith as well as many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary Lou’s family would like to sincerely thank Gretchen Franklin and Olivia Vitaz of Southern Care Hospice for their incredible communication, compassion and care along with Dr. Mark Akers and his staff who often went above and beyond with their care as well. Thanks are also given to the staff at the Elmwood at the Shawhan for their kindness and professionalism.

There will be a graveside service held at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Fairmont Cemetery in Tiffin. There will be no visitation held at this time. The Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Lou’s memory to Betty Jane Memorial Rehabilitation Center.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lou Frontz, please visit our floral store.