Maria/Mary J. Robbins

Maria/Mary J. Robbins was born in Lima, Ohio on Wednesday, April 13, 1938, to predecessor parents Anthony E. Robbins, Sr. and Martha Rosemary Finley Robbins, passed on Friday, April 10, 2026. She is survived by a brother, Anthony "Tony" Robbins, beloved cousins, friends and spiritual sisters/brothers.

After graduating high school, Maria attended University of Pittsburgh for a couple of years where she studied the Spanish language and culture. As a graduate of Wright State University, where she earned her master's degree, she was able to work toward and receive a state issued Licensed Professional Counselor credential. Her love of learning led her to be an avid reader and researcher, which provided her with opportunities to share her knowledge through teaching, presenting workshops and writing.

Spirituality was an integral part of her life, and she incorporated practices from the Christian faith and Native American spirituality. She was a committee member of the Synod of the Covenant of the Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and an elder in the Saponi Nation of Ohio. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge as a teacher and storyteller, particularly in the Native American tradition.

Her work experience was varied but included the State of Ohio's Commission on Minority Health where she provided presentations/workshop on cross cultural matters related to the elimination of health disparities among Spanish speaking, a language in which she was fluent, and Native American populations. She was employed with the Dayton, Ohio Veterans Affairs Medical Center where she worked with veterans for over 30 years. It was with these two positions that her compassion and love of people really shined.

Maria/Mary had a great interest in genealogy. Upon moving to Chillicothe after retirement she volunteered at the Ross County Genealogical Society where she was considered an expert on Native American genealogical research. Other interests included art, such as coloring, drawing and painting. Additionally, she enjoyed connecting with nature through gardening and interacting with animals.

With all her many accomplishments, both professionally and personal, Maria remained a humble and dedicated person to all she had the privilege meeting. Her spirit is now up in the clouds looking down upon all those she touched.

In keeping with her humble spirit, and at her direction, a graveside service will be held in Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. with Pastor William M. Pinckney (retired) officiating. Maria asked the Ebright Funeral Home of Frankfort to oversee her funeral services. 

In lieu of flowers the family would like to honor Maria's request that all memorials be made to the charities she selected. Those include Father Flannagan's Boys Town 14100 Crawford St., BoysTown, NE 68010 or the National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St at Independence Ave, W, Washington DC 20560 or St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 300, Chamberlain SD 57325, or Saint Labre, PO Box 797, Ashland, MT 59003.