Mary Lou Newell, 95, of St. Louis, MO, and formerly of Ashland, IL, died on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Del Mar Gardens South, St. Louis.

She was born in Literberry, IL on June 15, 1928, to Jesse Liter and Jean Helen (Caldwell) Petefish. The daughter of a farming family, Mary Lou attended a one-room school in the Berea area before progressing to Ashland High School. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education then taught second grade in Lincoln, IL and Springfield, IL.

She met Bob Newell in high school, dated on and off, before they went their separate ways. In 1953, Bob was elected Mayor of Ashland. Mary Lou attended the celebration party where their reacquaintance led to marriage on October 17, 1953, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ashland. Bob preceded her in death on July 4, 2015.

Mary Lou, known for her compassion and generosity, was a substitute teacher at Ashland Elementary School for many years and dedicated her time to various volunteer organizations. She actively contributed to St. Augustine's Altar Society, Ashland Junior Women's Club, helped in the maternity department at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL and delivered "Meals on Wheels" for ten years in Ashland, IL. Both Mary Lou and Bob volunteered in "Helping Hands" in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where they lived for 11 years. She found joy in cooking, flower gardening, babysitting grandchildren, exploring antiques, and traveling the world.

Mary Lou is survived by her children: Stephen (Leah) Newell of Springfield, IL, Janet (Dennis) Thomas of Fults, IL, Margaret (Dave) McLaughlin of Wickenburg, AZ, and Kathleen (Don) Angle of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren: Liz (Chris Malerich) Newell of Spokane, WA, Andy (Kat) Newell of Fremont, CA, John (Jenna) Thomas of St. Charles, IL, Jathan (Chelsea) McLaughlin, of Phoenix, AZ, Patrick (Noelle) McLaughlin of Colorado Springs, CO, Rob (Amanda) McLaughlin of Chicago, IL, Matt (Katie) Angle, of Jackson Hole, WY, Laura Angle of Madison, WI, Greg (Nicole) Angle of Columbus, OH; nine great grandchildren with two more on the way.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ward and Richard Petefish; and two sisters, Sarah Allen and Lois Yancy.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Augustine Church, Ashland, IL. A funeral Mass will be celebrated after visitation. Burial will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, St. Augustine Cemetery, or charity of choice in her memory.

The family also wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Delmar Gardens South, and Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care for Mary Lou's care.