Mary Emma Henderson, 92, of Springboro, OH, formerly of Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Kingston Health Care Company.

She was born December 10, 1928, in Battle Ground, to the late Phillip B. and Mary Gertrude (McConaughay) Eylens.

Mary graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and attended Purdue University.

On April 4, 1949, she married M. Dean Henderson. He preceded her in death on May 30, 1997

She had a beautiful singing voice and she sang for the USO while attending high school. Her husband Dean always liked to say he fell in love with her at the USO the very first time he heard her sing “Danny Boy.”

During her career, Mary worked as the Personnel Manager at JC Penney, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Women at Purdue University and the office manager for Dr. Robert Kohne.

Mary was known for her sunny disposition, her laugh and smile on her face. She was funny and had a great sense of humor. She loved her favorite beach in Florida where she created many happy family memories. She was also an animal lover, enjoyed her afternoon soap operas, hair appointments every Friday and Margarita Wednesday at her favorite Mexican restaurant.

She is survived by two daughters, Abbie Eikenberry of Springboro, OH and Pamela Young of San Diego, CA. She also had three grandchildren and five great grandchildren that she adored. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Eylens and her half-brother, Harold Seaman.

Per state COVID restrictions mask and social distancing will be required.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 13, at Soller- Baker Funeral Home  Lafayette Chapel.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Soller- Baker Funeral Home  400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, with Pastor Kurt Freeman officiating.  Interment will follow at Battle Ground Cemetery, Battle Ground.

Those wishing may contribute in Mary’s name to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org