Mary Lou Stanley's Obituary
Mary Lou Stanley, 91, of Decatur died peacefully on the 1st day of January 2025 in Spartanburg, SC. Visitation will be Friday, January 10, 2025, at 10 AM and Ceremony at 11 AM at Central Christian Church in Decatur, IL. A private burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery. The family asks that any donations in her memory are made to Central Christian Church. Mrs. Stanley was born August 13, 1933, in Dodge City, Kansas to Ruby Gertrude and William Bert Reid. In 1954, Mary Lou graduated from Kansas State and received an additional degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1955. She taught 2nd Grade in Rochester, Minnesota. This is where she met her future husband, Charles Otis Stanley. Together they moved to Decatur Il, where he joined the Stanley Medical Practice, and started their beautiful family. Mrs. Stanley was a proud member and former president of Decatur Medical Auxiliary. She worked passionately by her husband’s side, Dr. Charles Stanley, as he worked to improve the medical care in Decatur. She served on the board of Kemmerer Village Children's Home and was an active member of PEO and the Junior Welfare. She was a member of Central Christian Church, and a member of the Country Club of Decatur. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Otis Stanley. Charles was her whole world, as was her loving family. They were married for 67 wonderful years and shared a passion of travel to Portugal, Italy, Russia, Curacao and many more destinations. The two of them enjoyed long antique car rides through Decatur, what they always referred to as “God’s Country," side by side while admiring the view together. Mary Lou enjoyed gardening, traveling, playing bridge, tennis, reading, and spending time and sharing a glass of chardonnay with her family and friends. The family German Shepherds were a big part of her life. It came as a surprise to many of us how much joy her rescue cat, Otis, brought her this past year. Mary Lou's smile was infectious, and many of us will fondly remember her friendly wink. She was deeply respected and loved by her family, friends and community. Mary Lou will be truly missed. She is survived by her son, Bill Stanley of Atlanta, GA, daughters, Patti Moran of Spartanburg, SC; Sara Reynolds of Seattle, WA; grandsons, Charles (Lindsey) Floyd of Spartanburg, SC; Patrick Moran of Spartanburg, SC; granddaughters, Jamie Moran of Little River, SC; Katherine (Tucker) Hopp of Seattle, WA; Elizabeth (Peter) Gruene of Newport Beach, CA; Jennifer (Don) Bollard of Auburn, CA; Hannah (Gage) Sumrall of Bentonville, AR; 4 great-grandchildren, Ruby Gruene, Alice Gruene, Georgia Hopp and Jack Bollard.
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