Mary Lou Wood

Mary Lou Wood, age 95, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away on October 8, 2024.

She was born on December 8, 1928, to Melvin W. Henley and Margaret (Shaffer) Henley, in Carthage, Indiana. 

A lifelong hoosier, Mary Lou graduated from Morristown High School in 1946, and married Marvin Wood in 1948.  Married for 51 years until his death in 1999, she embraced her role as a basketball coach’s wife, together with Marvin, serving in French Lick, Milan, New Castle, Indianapolis, Shelbyville, and settling in Mishawaka, which she called home for over 55 years. 

Known as an enthusiastic encourager, Mary Lou was highly involved in serving her community and collecting friends wherever she went.  She retired from Miles Laboratories (now Bayer) in the accounting department after 21 years, and was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka.  Her many volunteer roles included Tri Kappa Sorority, P.E.O. Sorority, local political involvement, the American Cancer Society, and Hospice.    

She was a longtime fan of Indiana basketball, particularly celebrating the "Miracle of Milan" 1954 high school boys' basketball championship team coached by her husband Marvin, as well as cheering for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team.

She is survived by her daughter Deidra (Craig) Juday of Kirtland, Ohio; grandchildren Emily Brook Juday of Pataskala, Ohio and Amy (Iehab) Talukder of Arroyo Grande, California; great-grandchildren Andrew Juday, Brianna Juday, Sydney Pleger, Lilah Pleger, and Alexi Talukder; and, nieces and nephews Gary (Linda) Hufferd, Jay Hufferd, Mark (Chris) Hufferd, Diane (John) Kramer, Melanie (Keith) Musser, Rick Wood, David (Sherrie) Wood, Todd Wood, Terri (Greg) Meiser, Kevin (Sherry) Wood, and Traci Wood ; and many great nieces and great nephews. 

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marvin; son Douglas Wood; grandson, Adam Juday; nephews Melvin Lain and Kyle Wood; and sisters, Rita Mae Hufferd and Veralee Lain.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Hahn Funeral Home in Mishawaka. The funeral service will be Tuesday morning, October 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka, with visitation 1 hour prior . Public is invited to a graveside service and burial at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown, Indiana on Tuesday, October 15 at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka. 

The family extends their gratitude to the Primrose Retirement Community and Traditions Hospice Care for their loving care and service.

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