Mary Lou Kelly

1927 - 2023

Mary Lou Kelly
Mary Lou Kelly, a longtime Midland resident, passed away on April 18, 2023, just a few months shy of her 96th birthday. She was born Mary Lou Hines on June 16, 1927, in Uhrichsville, Ohio to James (Red) Floyd Hines and Catherine Florence Rentch Hines. Mary Lou graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1945 and then graduated from Ohio University, cum laude in 1962. She went on to get a master's degree from Central Michigan University graduating magna cum laude.
Mary Lou was a well- known and respected educator at Midland Public Schools where she taught 1st grade at Adams Elementary and then went on to be a reading specialist at MPS. Prior to coming to Midland, she taught at Harvey Wells Elementary in Wellston, Ohio. Mary Lou had a gift when it came to teaching and she loved it. She was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award at Midland Public in May 1971 and was named Michigan Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year for the school year 1983-1984. She was awarded the Celebrate Literacy Award from the Midland County Reading Association in 1984 also. Mary Lou was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa (Teachers Honorary Sorority) and the Philanthropic Educational Organization. She worshiped at Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church and Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland.
Mary Lou loved to swim and be in the sun. After retirement, she and her husband, Curt, spent winters in San Clemente, California. She also liked to dance. She danced tap and especially loved ballroom dancing with her dear husband. They enjoyed this activity with other couples for many years. Mary Lou was an incredible mom to her children, David and Mary Ann. She was a beloved grandmother and active with her great-grandchildren. Her great- grandchildren affectionately called her "the Queen of Michigan".
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Marvin Curtis Kelly, a brother, James Evron Hines and a grandson, Max White. She is survived by her children, Mary Ann (Frank)Fitzgerald and David (Brenda)Kelly. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kenett (Britta) Kelly, Lisa (Brandon) Tufts and Kelly (Javier)Perez. Her surviving great-grandchildren include Katie, Nick and Sam White; Dean and Allison Perez; Kyla and Dylan Walker; Brady and Wyatt Tufts; Aislynn and Farryn Kelly. Mary Lou had many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews including niece, Jenell, and husband, Hobart (Hobie) Barker with whom she had a special relationship. Additionally, she was loved and cherished by other family members, many friends, neighbors, and former colleagues.
The family would like to extend thanks to Cornerstone Caregiving Home Care and are especially grateful to Ro, Mary Lou's favorite care giver.
Funeral services for Mary Lou will take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 West Wheeler Street. Pastor Don Duford will officiate with interment to take place in Midland Cemetery. Mary Lou's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 – 7 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund.