Mary Lou McLane

Mary Lou McLane, age 95 of Avoca, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026.

She was born on October 11, 1930 to the late Ray and Helen (Armstong) Brooks of Avoca, Michigan and raised by her grandma, Beatrice Knisley. Mary Lou had a cherished bond later in life with her stepmother, Vi Brooks.

She married Harlan Probst and had two children, Mike and Jane, that they raised in Ruby, Michigan. She later married Arnie McLane and they spent many years on the farm in Blaine and later resided in Venice, Florida. Arnie passed away in March 2003, and she later moved back to Yale, Michigan at the age of 81.

Mary Lou has a beautiful family of two children, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and twelve great great grandchildren, one brother and one sister. Mary Lou took pride in her family and loved to tell everyone how great they are. She was a hard worker and continued bartending until the age of 80. Mary Lou spent many years waitressing and bartending at the old Dorsey House and was once the owner of the Norway Bar in Avoca, where she made a lot of friends.

She is survived by her loving children, Mike (Jean) Probst and Jane (Dennis) McLarty, her wonderful grandchildren; Bonnie (Aaron) Stallings, Connie (Pat) Hayes, Jamie (Chris) LaMay, Denny (Rachel) McLarty, Michelle McLarty and Tom (Jenny) Mott, all her precious great and great great grandchildren, a dear brother, Bill (Joann) Brooks, and sweet sister, Linda Brooks, whom will all miss her tremendously.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandmother, stepmother, husband and sister.

Mary Lou spent the last year of her life in the Yale Medilodge, where she was loved and well taken care of by the many aides and nurses that she called family. The family wishes to thank the caregivers for all the love and support they provided to Mary Lou while in their care.

Per wishes of Mary Lou, a funeral service will not be held. The family will hold a service at a later date.

Arrangements are in care of Jowett Funeral Home, Port Huron.