Mary Lou Carman, age 94, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 13, 1927, in Lima, Ohio to Wendall Miller and Dorothy Elizabeth Miller Pickering.  In December of 1943, Mary Lou married Carl Carman, Jr., who preceded her in death on December 11, 2010.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Carla Jo (Mark) Oberly of Harrod; five grandchildren: Shirley Davis, Bonnie (Gregory) Pieper, Turmak (Annette) Davis, Derrick (Courtney) Oberly and Amanda (Kellen) Dunlap; and nine great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Peggy Lee Davis; grandson James Carl Davis; and two siblings: Margie Croft and Herb Miller.

Mary Lou attended Lima City Schools. She previously worked in a bakery and for the Cigar Factory in Lima. She was a member of the LaFayette First United Methodist Church. She was a fifty-year member of the LaFayette OES Chapter #121. Mary Lou loved life, she was always concerned if everyone was okay. She was easy to get along with and always easy to please. She was very optimistic.  She would always appreciate the McDonald’s breakfast and coffee her son-in-law Mark would bring her. She looked forward to her Thursday morning hair appointment at Bangs and loved her hairdresser, Jenelle Laing.  Mary Lou enjoyed being with her family and attending family events. Her biggest joy was watching Reagan, Carman, Mia, and Tucker Carl run and play. She had a smile as bright as sunshine and always made everyone feel welcome. She enjoyed camping, the Allen County Fair, church, Eastern Stars and sitting outside in the sunshine with a cup of hot tea.  She loved Christmas and shopping at the Country View Barn, where she called them her “second family." Mary Lou enjoyed the little things that we don’t always take the time to see, she could always see the good in any situation. She knew how to love deep, how important forgiveness is, how faith, family and friends are what living is all about.  Summers were her favorite season. She loved to watch the sunrise, especially as it would come up over the woods.   

Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at LaFayette First United Methodist Church, 204 W. Main Street, LaFayette, Ohio 45854 with Pastor Bob Clinger officiating.  An Order of Eastern Star Service will be held. Burial will be in Fisher Cemetery, LaFayette.   

Friends may call two hours prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22 at the LaFayette First United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaFayette First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 7247, LaFayette, Ohio 45854 

Condolences can be expressed at www.hansonneelyallison.com