Mary L. Hiatt

HIATT Mary L., age 99, of Dayton, OH, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. She was born on July 28, 1925, to Clyde and Mary Wolf, in Dayton, OH. Mary graduated from Stivers High School before attending the University of Cincinnati with a B.S in Chemical Engineering, one of the first women to do so. She co-oped at General Motors where she met her future husband, John Hiatt. Mary went on to receive her B.A and Masters in Education from the University of Dayton.

In 1962 she found her passion in the teaching field and began her long career with the Dayton Public School system. Over her 36 years with Dayton Public she held many positions before becoming the Superintendent of the Dayton Public School system, before her retirement in 1996. After her retirement she continued teaching community education.

She was a lifelong reader and learner and even taught computer literacy and digital photography throughout her retirement years. Mary was a passionate artist and worked in numerous mediums, including jewelry making, stained glass, knitting, and photography, winning several awards for her work. She could often be found volunteering at Cox Arboretum. The people she encountered on a daily basis loved her and she will be missed by all who knew her. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Hiatt; and son, David Strayer. 

Mary is survived by her son, Steven (Beth) Strayer; grandchildren, Shawn Strayer, Eric Pietrzak, Joel Strayer, and Lauren Strayer; great-grandchildren, Katurah, Simon, Pippa, Madoc, and Penelope; and other extended family and friends.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Inurnment at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Soi Dog Foundation at https://www.soidog.org/ .