Mary Lou McWilliams, 92

Mary Lou McWilliams, age 92, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the daughter of Carroll and Hazel (Runyan) Smith on January 2, 1931, in Waverly, Iowa. She graduated from Plainfield High School in 1948 and was crowned Ms. Iowa the same year. After graduation, Mary Lou worked at a drugstore and an egg plant in Plainfield before marriage. 

On May 6, 1951, Mary Lou was united in marriage with Armin Buls in Siegel, rural Waverly. The couple made their home in Allison, Iowa, where Mary Lou briefly worked as a stay-at-home mother before starting to drive bus for River Hills Schools and working as a houseparent for Exceptional Persons Inc, alongside Armin. In 1991, Armin passed away and Mary Lou later retired in 1993. On June 21, 1997, Mary Lou was united in marriage with Ercil McWilliams in Greene, Iowa. They made their home in Dumont and wintered in Arizona. They frequently traveled and would deliver Winnebagos around the country. One special delivery being to David Letterman.   

Mary Lou was a very active member of the United Church of Christ in Allison for many years. She loved to cook and help in the kitchen with church events. She was best known for her potato salad, ham balls, chocolate upside down cake, and pecan tassies. In her spare time, she loved to cook, listen to big band music, and shop.

On September 25, 2023, Mary Lou passed away at Creekside Village in Grundy Center, Iowa, of natural causes. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Armin Buls (July 10, 1993) and Ercil McWilliams (March 3, 2010); parents; son-in-law, Don Heuer; grandchildren, Tommy Arjes and Kelly Arjes.

Mary Lou is survived by two daughters, Judi (Kenny) Arjes of Parkersburg, IA and Joan Heuer of Aplington, IA; two step-daughters, Sheri McWilliams of Mason City, IA and Shayna (Gary) Franken of Aredale, IA; three grandchildren, Kate Graham, Erin Heuer, and Lucas (Kate) Heuer; step-grandchildren, Quincy (Alyssa) McWilliams, Tiffani (Josiah) Morehouse, Morgan (Lorenzo) Owens, Cecily (Ryan) McWilliams, Tatiana McWilliams, Shawn Franken, and Brent Weichers; great grandchildren Shelby Sandoval (Chad), Austin (Kayla) Graham, Caleb Graham, Will Heuer, and Nolan Heuer; and one great-great grandchild, Jason Nuckolls.

A Memorial Service was held 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Hoped Reform Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor Nate Huisman officiating the service. Organist was Marilyn Poppens, and she accompanied the congregation as they sang, “How Great Thou Art” and “Battle Hymn of Republic.” “Jealous of Angles” was provided as special music. Burial was held in the Allison Municipal Cemetery in Allison, Iowa, with Shelby Sandoval, Austin Graham, Caleb Graham, Will Heuer, and Nolan Heuer serving as Honorary Urnbearers.

A Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Parkersburg Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com.