Mary Ellen St. John, 86, died Thursday, November 5, 2026 in Newark, Ohio. She was born November 6, 1939 to the late William and Martha (Bohlender) Meikle. Also deceased is Cassida (McKay) Meikle, paternal grandmother, who raised her and her brother until ages 12 and 18. Subsequently she was adopted by Mary Frances (McChesney) Kindell and Carl Benjamin Kindell, both of whom preceded her in death.

Surviving are her husband of 64 years, Fraze Lee St. John and their son James Martin St. John. A second son, David Eugene St. John preceded them in death. Also surviving are two nieces, Beth Ellen (Meikle) Warren with their children, Fletcher, Luther and Miriam and Martha Pyles Meikle (Zochae Pyles, now deceased) with their children, Jai and Zephyr.

Mary Ellen graduated from Lemon-Monroe High School in 1957, and received her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in 1961 from the College of Wooster as a biological sciences major. She married Lee St. John in 1962 and was hired to teach junior high school at College Corner. It is a unique campus, sitting on the border between Ohio and Indiana and required certification by both states. Subsequently attending Indiana University in Bloomington she earned a Master of Arts degree on June 3, 1963. Both Lee and Mary Ellen were accepted to the graduate school of the Ohio State University, where he completed his Ph.D in 1969, and she completed her Ph.D in 1973.

A long-term member of Christ United Methodist Church in Newark, she taught the adult Sunday school class for over 32 years, writing most of the lessons that were used. Ready to serve, she was in charge of organizing the rummage sales for many years. Completing required training, she was certified as a Lay Speaker. In the absence of the pastor, she both designed and led at least 32 services at the church.

Both she and her husband were employed in Newark beginning at the local campus in 1970, teaching for Central Ohio Technical College and for the Newark branch of Ohio State University. In 1986 she received a teaching excellence award from the technical college. She retired in 2004.

Mary Ellen enjoyed gardening, photography and traveling. She was an avid reader. David took his parents on bird watching trips and their son, James, traveled with her and Lee on vacations to the west.

James introduced her to the use of Flickr, where she has posted many of her photos.

Please rejoice in her current residence in the eternal Heaven.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Ellen to the Food Pantry Network of Licking County, 1035 Brice St., Newark, OH 43055.

A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 2-3 pm at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark where a memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Chris Wiseman officiating.