Mary Elizabeth Klika

Mary E. Klika, 105, died Friday August 7, 2026 in Gaylord, Michigan. Mary was born in 1921 to Mary E. and John G. Tindera in Cleveland, Ohio and was a devoted wife to her husband John E. Klika for 70 years. She is survived by their son John R. Klika of Gaylord, Michigan; and daughter Kathleen Roberts and her husband Gary of Madison, Virginia. She was predeceased by her brothers John, George, and Robert but is survived by special nieces and cousins from both the Klika and Tindera families.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother throughout her life, sustained by resilience she acquired during the Great Depression and World War II. She traveled to South Carolina and Idaho to support her husband during his military training as a bomber pilot, started her family in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised her children and lived in the Detroit area for four decades before retiring first to Etowah, North Carolina for 5 years then to Spring Hill, Florida for another 3 decades. Over the years, she was active in her church, as a Girl Scout leader, in community activities, and social clubs. She was an expert in embroidery, and her gifts to others were often handmade.

Mary will be interred at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida where her husband has rested since 2013. Services will be held at a later date in Florida. In the meantime, the family wishes to thank all those who contributed so much to Mary's care over the years - from the daily caregivers at The Porches over the last 2 years to neighbors and friends in Florida, Virginia and Michigan who helped provide care, brought special treats, made long distance visits, provided transportation, and kept mail flowing over the years. Thanks also to family and friends who always kept in touch with special greetings and visits on holidays and birthdays, and to the 26 hospice volunteers from all over the state of Michigan who sent 105th birthday greetings with handmade cards, special poems and warm greetings to a woman most of them had never met. Thanks to all of you.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or to your local animal shelter, in recognition of the comfort and joy dogs and cats have brought to our Mother throughout her entire life.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.