Mary Lou Lossing

Mary Lou (Allred) Lossing, 90, passed peacefully from this life into the arms of her Lord on the morning of Monday, August 11, 2025. Her final days were spent at The Oaks of Belmont, where her passing was quiet and expected.  Born on May 1, 1935, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to James and Edna Allred, Mary Lou was the youngest of four children. She was preceded in death by her two sisters and brother.

After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School and attending San Jose College, a new chapter began when she moved to Newport, Rhode Island, at age 20 to help her sister. There, while working as a medical assistant, she met Fay Allan Lossing Jr., a Navy officer. They shared a remarkable journey of nearly 51 years of marriage before Fay’s passing 18 years prior.

Mary Lou was a devoted mother and wife, a role that led her family to live on all coasts of the United States. She later supplemented her tireless work at home with part-time employment. Her deep faith was a constant in her life, nurtured by her involvement in various church congregations and expressed through meaningful relationships. A voracious reader, she faithfully read the Bible every year for several years. Her generosity was legendary, as she always found time and resources to help those in need.

Her greatest loves were her faith and her family. After Fay retired, they relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to be near their children and a growing number of grandchildren. The love she had for her family was returned in kind. Her grandchildren will cherish memories of her calm demeanor, freshly baked cookies, and Sunday dinners. They will remember her as their devoted chauffeur, supporter at countless events, and a good listener who cared deeply for them. She found immense joy and enrichment in remaining an active and present part of their lives until the very end.

Mary Lou is survived by her three children, James (Sheryl) Lossing, Stephen (Connie) Lossing, and Amy (Paul) Barteld. She was a loving grandmother to Stephen (Ty) Lossing, Chris (Autumn) Lossing, Jonathan Lossing, Joshua (Jessica) Lossing; Rachel (Robert) Colgan, Ana (John) Robey, Chad Lossing, Alyssa (Janek) Andrysek; Christina Barteld, Andrew (Megan) Barteld, Michael Barteld, Victoria (Bryce) Hagle, and Anna Barteld.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, at Ada Bible Church - Knapp Street Campus (in the Loft), located at 3869 Knapp Street N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan. She will be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Township, Michigan, together with her beloved husband, Fay.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Mary Lou’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.