Mary Katherine Lauer

Mary Katherine Lauer, 90, passed away on September 1, 2025. Mary was born at home in North College Hill on February 20, 1935, to Harry D. Cook and Mary Katherine Cook (nee Englert).

Mary is survived by her children: Bruce K. Lauer (Gloria Lauer), Todd F. Lauer (Jacque), Melissa M. Ryan and Roberta S. Brown (Jeff); her daughter-in-law, Sharon F. Lauer (Bernie); her grandchildren: Kyle Lauer, Kevin Lauer, Kelsey Lauer, Hailey M. Sullivan (Tyler), Joey P. Ryan, Reid F. Ryan, and Xander R. Ryan; and two great grandchildren; Victoria R. Lauer and Gabriel M. Lauer along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Bernard F. Lauer (Bern), her son Bernard K. Lauer (Sharon) and daughter, Holly A. Lauer as well as her parents and siblings; Ruby Smith, Ken Cook, Nora Fritsch, and Harry Cook.

Mary loved to go dancing and that’s where she met and fell in love with her future husband. And when she said fell, she meant it. Bern dropped her on the dance floor while they shared their first dance. The story goes that Mary asked him, “Why did you drop me?”  He told her that he looked into her big, blue eyes, got distracted, and dropped her because he just knew she was the one for him. Mary then looked into his big, brown eyes and said “Well #@!!#, he’s the one for me too.” And they made their wedding plans.

They got married July 24, 1954, and later had 6 kids. Mary said she asked God for three kids, but he didn’t hear her correctly and gave her three of each instead (three boys first and then three girls). The family lived happily in their home for many years, and Mary continued to live there for a total of almost 64 years.

Mary enjoyed reading her romance novels. She said when she read a book, it took her to all kinds of special places all over the world, and she didn’t even have to leave home to get there. She had many creative talents too including sewing, quilting, ceramics, drawing and painting, cooking (her famous pies, pot roast, and potato salad) and working jigsaw puzzles. Hawaii was her favorite place in the world, and she never forgot visiting the islands for her niece’s wedding. She liked to feed the birds, squirrels and the deer that visited her in her yard. But no snakes please!

Mary enjoyed her sweets (chocolate and licorice) and going out for lunch.  She also loved spending time talking and joking with her grandchildren and hearing about all their accomplishments in school and sports. She liked reminising with her grandkids about her childhood growing up and then told them stories about raising her own children.

Oh, and we can’t forget, she Loved Elvis Presley up until the end saying she wanted Angel Elvis to walk her through the pearly gates. We hope Mary and Bern are dancing together right now and maybe…Elvis gets to cut in every once in a while.

Please join Mary’s family for a life celebration and visitation held at Lifespring Christian Church, 1371 W. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231, from 4 to 6:30 pm on October 2 in the church’s cafe. Please use entrance A to access the church.

Mary will be buried at Arlington Memorial Gardens during a private ceremony with family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mary’s honor to the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Mascot program. You can go to https://foundation.uc.edu/spirit and use the drop-down option to select an area to support and please donate to the Bearcats Mascot Fund. Or donations can be sent to Delhi Middle School for their Caring and Sharing Christmas Program for needy kids, Delhi Middle School, 5280 Foley Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238. Please make checks out to DMS and include on the check this donation is in Mary Lauer’s honor.