Maribelle Boales Obituary

Maribelle Boales, 95

Maribelle June Boales, 95 of Ashland, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, August 9, 2025 in Winchester Terrace Nursing Center in Mansfield.

She was born on April 2, 1930 in Ashland, the daughter of the late Ralph and Gladys (nee Rader) McQuate.

Maribelle graduated from Ashland High School, Class of 1948. A resident of Ashland County most of her life, she was a proud homemaker all her life and a devoted member of the First Church of the Brethren on Third Street in Ashland.

She is survived by her children, Keith (Peggy) Boales of Ashland, Shirley (Steven) Gabor of Lexington, and Sally (Kevin) Canfield of Nova; her son-in-law, Dan Harpster of Ashland; nine grandchildren, Jesy Boales, Rick, Andy, and Mike Harpster, Sara O'Bryan, Holly Kissiar, Alex Gabor, Lindsey Medders and Adam Canfield; 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Maribelle is preceded in death by her partner, Paul Boales who passed away on July 11, 2016; one daughter, Paula Harpster who passed away on April 5, 2025; one son, Rick Boales who passed away on March 11, 1970; one grandson, William (Billy) Gannon; and her siblings, Eldon and Marion McQuate, Eileen Powell, Helen Humrichouser, Neva Wilke, and Ruth Hoover.

Maribelle's life was one well-lived. A true artist at heart, she was incredibly creative and crafty. She loved decorating, making floral arrangements, creating costumes, and sharing her talents with others. Among her most notable artistic endeavors was writing and producing plays at Mill Run Place, where she lived for 17 years. Her talents knew no bounds, especially if a hot glue gun was involved.

Maribelle was always the best dressed in a room, and she wouldn't hesitate to tell you that her outfit and jewelry were usually from Goodwill, which was her favorite place to snag a good fashion deal. From head to toe, she was well put together on any given day.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Maribelle knew she loved to have a good time. She was always up for camping, planning parties, playing cards or bingo, going to a casino, dancing, going out to eat, or going to the "club", which is how she referred to the Eagles Club of Ashland, one of her favorite places. Telling jokes and stories, indulging in Riunite Lambrusco wine or a margarita, going shopping, and being with family and friends were some of her favorites. She was the life of the party who will be sorely missed.

A special thank you to Granddaughter Lindsey and her children Cam and Gem for their devoted love and care and to Winchester Terrace Nursing Center and SouthernCare Hospice Services for their compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Ashland County Memorial Park. Friends and family may visit on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home.

For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.