Mary Beittel remembered for decades of service to the homeless in Columbus.

Central Ohio's Homeless community has lost one of its most enduring champions.

After a long battle with cancer, Mary Beittel died this weekend.

For more than 30 years, she helped lead The Open Shelter, founded by her husband Kent Beittel.

Those who worked with her say it was her deep faith and empathy that guided her work.

"She had struggles in her own life, as an adult, as a young single mother. And she remembered those worries and concerns that she had for herself and her children. And I think between her experience and her deep, deep faith, she just felt like this was where she was supposed to be," said Sheli Mathias of The Open Shelter.

Mary Beittel was 65 years old.

Her family asks that community members and friends join them Saturday at the Snyder- Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr., Delaware, Ohio, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

A memorial celebration service will be held 4 p.m. August 28 at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad Street in Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, her family has asked donations be made in her name to The Open Shelter, 61 E. Mound St. Columbus, Ohio 43215.