Mary Lou Young

She was born on January 28, 1929, in Ravia, Oklahoma, to Vivian and Emit Mathis. In 1942, her family moved briefly to California, where Mary Lou stepped into history as a World War II Rosie the Riveter, helping with the war effort by making bomb casings. With her beauty, grace, and pin-up figure, she caught the eye of a handsome blue-eyed Navy man, Robert Young, who would become the love of her life.
The two married on August 3, 1946, in Gainesville, Texas, and soon made their home in Cushing, Oklahoma, where they began raising their six daughters. Later, they settled in Midwest City, in the home Robert built with his own hands-a home Mary Lou would lovingly keep for the next 74 years.
Mary Lou dedicated her life to her family, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with the aroma of her cooking, the hum of her sewing machine, and the fruits of her canning jars. Together, she and Robert built more than just a home-they built a small farm with large gardens, livestock, and at one point, more than 5,000 chickens. They sold eggs to the community and restaurants, and managed several rental and land properties, including 140 acres of allotted Indian land that had been in her family for more than a century.
In the 1970s, Mary Lou embraced new adventures. She joined a bowling league, proudly bringing home trophies, and later started a thriving upholstery business that she ran for more than 20 years. Her talents, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit inspired everyone who knew her.
Mary Lou was a woman of great strength, fierce love, and deep faith. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel valued and special. A faithful servant of the Lord, she worked tirelessly alongside her church family to minister to her community and beyond. A true prayer warrior, her life was anchored in Christ until her final breath.
Beyond her work and service, Mary Lou had a joyful, social spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved traveling, solving word searches, and never missed her favorite soap operas and Westerns. But when it came to Oklahoma City Thunder basketball, everything else had to wait-those games were sacred.
She is survived by her six daughters: Elaine and husband Tommy Henderson, Pattie Rogers, Carolyn and husband Pastor Gary Burd, Donna Henry, Phillis Young, and Robyn Young. She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Robert Young; her parents, Emit and Vivian Mathis; her brother, Eddie Wayne; half-sister, Vernon Louis; and great-grandson, Patrick.
Mary Lou's life was a living testimony of hard work, unconditional love, and steadfast faith. Her legacy will continue to shine through the family she cherished, the community she served, and the countless lives she touched.
Services will be rendered by Barnes Friederich & Pope Funeral Home, 1820 S Douglas Blvd, Midwest City, OK 73130. A visitation for Mary Lou will be held Thursday, October 9, and Friday, October 10, 2025, 8:00am - 8:00pm both days. The Funeral Service will be at 10:00am, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Liberty Christian Center, 1121 S Post Rd, Midwest City, OK 73130. The committal will be at Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.