Mary Josephine Titkos

Mary Josephine Young Titkos

Mary Josephine Titkos, age 85, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, and entered into the presence of her Lord, surrounded by the love of her family and the faith she carried throughout her life.

Mary was born on January 31, 1941, in Miami, Florida. While attending grade school, Mary met the love of her life, Joseph, in the fifth grade. Their love continued to grow throughout the years, and they were married on August 1, 1959. Together, they built a beautiful life and a family that would become Mary’s greatest joy.

Mary leaves behind her loving children, Trina Titkos of Reno, Nevada; Tami (Alan) Schwenk of Columbus, Indiana; Bridget “Tonie” (Gary) Pittman of Columbus, Indiana; Tommie (Brad) St. John of Paris, Tennessee; Tabbi (Dale) Gibbons of Salem, Indiana; and Joey Titkos of Nashville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph; her daughters, Terri Titkos and Tricia (Jeff) Eisfelder; and her two granddaughters, Marybeth Pittman and Chelsea Eisfelder.

Mary was also deeply loved by her 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, whom she loved with her whole heart. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, and unconditional love. She was caring, thoughtful, courageous, loving, and patient. Mary always seemed to have room in her heart and time in her day for everyone. No matter how she was feeling or what she was doing, when one of her grandchildren called, they could always count on hearing her warm and loving greeting: “Hello, Darlin’.”

Those two words said everything about the love she had for her family. When she wasn’t raising her eight children, Mary found great joy in gardening, growing flowers, and spending time surrounded by nature. She had a special gift for making things grow and could bring even the most struggling plant back to life. She loved watching the birds and squirrels that visited her window and took great pleasure in feeding them and simply sitting and watching them. Nature was another part of the world that Mary cared for with the same tenderness she showed to people. Her garden, her flowers, and the little creatures she welcomed brought her great happiness.

Mary also loved playing games and sitting around the table, laughing and enjoying time with her family. Some of the most cherished memories were simply being together, sharing stories, playing games, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company.Mary had a heart for helping others, especially veterans and those who were less fortunate. She never hesitated to give. There was hardly a stranger she met that she wouldn’t stop to help, and she would gladly give her last dollar to someone in need. Her generosity was not something she simply talked about—it was how she lived her life.

Above all, Mary had a deep and abiding love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She taught everyone she met to put God first, to have faith, and to face life with courage. Her faith was a foundation of her life, and it was a gift she passed on to her family and all those who knew her.

Though our hearts are deeply hurting from her passing, we rejoice in the promise of Heaven and find comfort in knowing that Mary is whole again—free from pain and suffering and resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Christian burial service on September 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Nashville, Indiana. Mary will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Joseph, at Green Lawn Cemetery following the service. All are welcome to return to St. Agnes Church afterward for a luncheon graciously provided by the St. Agnes Hospitality Community.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mary’s honor to oneof the following organizations:

Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memphis, TN

Mary was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and will forever remain a part of our hearts.  Though she is no longer by our side, her love, her faith, her kindness, and her strength will remain with us forever.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will never fade.

Jewell – Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.  Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.