Mary Helen Velegolla Christian, 98, of Stewartsville, Ohio, died October 28, 2017 in Wheeling Hospital.

She was born August 28, 1919 in Neffs, Ohio, daughter of the late Frank and Tekla Kolodziej Velegolla.

Mary was a homemaker and enjoyed working in her yard tending to her flowers. She was a Gold Star Mother. She was a loving mother and grandmother and was a 1938 St. Clairsville High School graduate.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Webb Christian Sr.; a son, Sgt. Vernon Webb Christian Jr. on August 20, 1968 in Vietnam; a grandson, Grant Balwanz II; a brother, Edward Velegolla; and a sister, Margaret Rebecca.

Surviving are a son, Jesse Alan Christian of Bellaire; two daughters, her main caregiver, Marianne Donahoe of Stewartsville and Marlene (Ron) Bumgardner of St. Clairsville; three grandchildren, Vernon Balwanz, Juli Christian and Lindsay Moore; step granddaughters, Maggie Kopyar and Mary Gargala; ten great grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; seven step great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and their families of Michigan.

To honor Mary, please make time to spend quality time with your elderly parents or grandparents.

Family and friends will be received at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville on Saturday, Nov. 4th from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Gerald Blon officiating. Burial will follow in Glencoe Cemetery.