Mary Lou Nau passed away on May 18, 2022, in Ada, Ohio, at the age of 91.

Mary Lou Garland was born on October 2, 1930 in Fremont, OH, the only child of Claude and Bernice Garland.  She graduated from Ross High School in 1948 before attending Heidelberg College where she was a leader of the Philathean Literary Society.  Upon graduation, she embarked on a long career in education.  Mary Lou taught classes ranging from kindergarten to high school in the Oak Harbor, Ohio school system.  She served in the classroom for several decades where she touched the lives of thousands of students.  Mary Lou loved geography, traveling the world and learning about different cultures. 

Mary Lou married Paul Nau in 1954 and raised two sons, William and David (Martha Evans-Nau).  In 1991, Paul and Mary Lou retired and moved to Ocala, FL, and then Apex, NC.  During this time, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Paul’s passing in 2020, Mary Lou lived with her son David and his family in Ada, Ohio.

Mary Lou was a kind and resilient woman who spent her life taking care of others.  She had a quiet demeanor, yet served as a steady force in leading her family.  Her two sons, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren viewed her as a trusted resource of information and the best player of bridge. Those left to cherish her memory include her sons William Nau of Maumee, Ohio; David and wife Martha of Ada, Ohio; grandchildren spread across the U.S. including Eric Nau and wife Brittany, Keri Stamm and husband Matt, Kyle Nau and husband Taylor, Jena Mason and husband Tyler, Paige Ka’awaloa and husband Pedro, Madison, Maddie Grace, Alyssa and Kyleigh and great-grandchildren, Zachary, Addison, Lily, Emmy and Sawyer.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Ada, May 25, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.   Donations can be made in Mary Lou’s name to the Ada Public Library.