Mary Lou grew up in Sandstone and in Nevada graduating from Nevada High School. She was a homemaker for several years and later worked for Nevada R-5 Schools in the kitchen, followed by the El Dorado Springs School District. In her later years Mary Lou became a caregiver and worked at several area care facilities and also as an in-home caregiver. Although she was raised in the Baptist faith, she attended several churches throughout her life. Her hobbies included traveling, going to garage sales, shopping, and adding to her cup collection.
Survivors include three daughters, Linda Highley (Kenny), Nevada. Donna Belcher (David), Stevensville, MT, and Tami Holcomb, Nevada; four grandchildren, Josh Highley (Renee), Nevada, Jordan Highley, Nevada, Jenna Kennedy (Aaron), Grain Valley, MO, and Monica Belcher, Stevensville, MT; five great-grandchildren, Kirstyn Taylor, Walker, LA, Aiden Highley, Nevada, Taylea Highley, Nevada, Eliana Kennedy, Grain Valley, and Rosalee Sonnier, Walker, LA; three step great-grandchildren, Keely Hageman, Kirsten Kolars, and Presten Kolars; three brothers, Don Householder, Nevada, David Householder, Lamar, MO, and Howard Householder (Karen), Ozark, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Earl, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Carrol Householder, Harold Householder, and Bill Householder; four sisters, Betty Howrey, Alberta Householder, Alice York, and Melba Driskell.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested in her name to Vernon County Cancer Relief c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
