Mary Elizabeth Olinger

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Mary Elizabeth Olinger, who entered into the arms of her Savior on June 29, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born on November 25, 1942, in Smyth County, VA. She was the daughter of the late Nora Mae Fouse Tuggle and Robert William Tuggle. She was the last surviving member of her family.

Mary was a loving wife to Richard Arlon Olinger, whom she had been married to for 66 years. Mary was a nurturing mother to daughters Debra Lynn Knight, Sarah Elizabeth Olinger-Fawley, husband Richard Fawley, dearly loved Ernest Knight Jr. and a proud grandmother to her grandson Matthew Richard Fawley.

She was a faithful member of Ridgeville Pentecostal Church where she taught Sunday School and shared her love for others through quiet acts of service.

More than anything, Mary will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her selfless love, and her deep devotion to her family. She taught her children the value of hard work, kindness, and trust in the Lord. She faced life’s joys and sorrows with grace, always anchored in her belief that God is good.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert William Tuggle and Nora Mae Fouse Tuggle, four sisters, Ruby Mae Doane(Herb), Ruthie Jane Rhea(Ernest), Pearl Ann Austin, Sandra Sue Tuggle McNew(Fred), two beloved brothers of whom she loved dearly Thomas Tuggle, William Tuggle and one infant brother George Tuggle. Her in laws James Olinger, Sarah (Susie) Debord, Carl Edward (Sam) Olinger, Polly Roberts, Juanita Sturgill and Ralph Olinger. She is survived by her dearly beloved sister-in- law Merideth Tuggle, sister-in-laws Bessie Tuggle, and Nancy Holmes, her brother-in -laws John Bill Olinger (Elaine), David Olinger(Louse), Robert Austin, and Jackie Sturgill. She is survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Madan Bangalore who treated Mary with care and compassion for many years.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Frederick Health Hospital. We would especially like to thank all the CNAS, RNS, and doctors on floors 2, 3, 4, the ER staff, and the ICU team for the tireless hours of care you gave to Mary.

Thank you to New Market and Mt. Airy Fire Departments for the life-saving care you provided to Mary.

We would like to thank Doris from the Department of Aging of Frederick County for the tireless efforts to support Mary. We appreciate your hard work.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday July 6, 2025 at Stauffer Funeral Home Mt. Airy MD from 4-6 p.m. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on July 7, 2025, at Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church Woodville Rd. Mt. Airy, MD 21771 with a viewing from 1-2 and a funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SOARS of Frederick, Advocates for the Homeless, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or charity of your choice.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the sure knowledge that we will see her again.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23