Mary Lou Spenla

Mary Lou Spenla, age 90, of Woodward, died Saturday, February 1, 2025. She was surrounded by a loving family at the time of her death.
Mary Lou was born on June 5, 1934. She was born and raised in Melrose, Iowa. Her parents were John L. and Mary T. (O'Neill) Coady. She was united in marriage to Larry J. Spenla on April 14, 1956, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose. Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband, Larry; children: Kathi Craven (Randy), Randy Spenla (Eileen), Julie Spenla, and Cheri Nickolay. She and Larry have 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Jimmy and Johnny, and sister, Margie.
Mary Lou and Larry were members of St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Madrid. In addition to being active in the church, Mary Lou enjoyed quilting, sewing, golfing, and playing cribbage. She joined the JFA Bridge Club when she moved to Woodward, where she met many lifelong friends. Mary Lou was very proud of her Irish heritage, and loved to talk about her upbringing in Melrose, "Iowa's Little Ireland". Larry and Mary Lou had a neighborhood group of friends that celebrated an annual Christmas progressive dinner. This tradition started in 1969, and continued for 54 years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Madrid, IA. Visitation will be prior to the Funeral Mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Please join us for a luncheon at the Parish Hall after Mass.
For those unable to attend, a live-stream of the service will be available on the Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home Facebook Page and can be accessed at:
https://www.facebook.com/SchroederStarkWelin the live-stream will start roughly five minutes before the start of the service (10:55 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025).
In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a donation in Mary Lou's honor to either:
St. Malachy's Catholic Church or the Woodward Public Library.
Memorials can be left at www.schroederfuneral.com