FORT SMITH — Mary Lou Marley

left us peace fully on Aug. 29, 2021, to meet her Lord and Savior. Mary Louise was one of eight children born to Josef and Gertrude

Nolte on Sept. 2, 1929, in Subiaco, Ark. She married H. Don Marley in 1948, and they were together for 50 years until his passing in 1998.

Mary Lou and Don raised five boys whom they loved fiercely. Mary Lou was known for her great love for her family and friends. She was a generous hostess with delicious cooking and baked goods, especially her cinnamon rolls. Mary Lou loved to go antiquing and filled her home with her finds. She was caring, supportive and resilient; always beautiful and graceful.

She retired from McKesson Corporation. Later, Mary Lou started a second career at Weldon, Williams & Lick, where she made many lasting memories and friendships.

Mary Lou is survived by her sons and their spouses, Don and Nancy Marley, David and Jayne Marley, Phillip and Nonie Marley, Mark and Cheryl Marley; daughterin-law, Joyce Marley; sister, Joan Greenstreet; 21 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, H. Don Marley, Sr.; her son, Joe Marley; her great- grandson, Aidan Hooper; and her siblings, Johnny Nolte, Walter Nolte, Al Nolte, Joe L. Nolte, Gertie Gramlich, and Libby Smith.

Graveside service was held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Arrangements were held under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the memorial of her great-grandson, Aidan Hooper, Aidan’s Legacy, managed by Oklahoma City Community Foundation at occf.org or mail a check to OCCF (Memo: Aidan Hooper Legacy Fund) P.O. Box 1146, Oklahoma City, Okla. 731011146.

To view the online guest book, please go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com .