Mary Lou Kinner, age 96 of Monroe, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Fountain View of Monroe.
Born March 8, 1926 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Mary Lou was the daughter of the late Paul and Alzina (Lemler) Kuenzli. A 1944 graduate of Upper Sandusky High School, she continued her education by earning a bachelor degree from North Central College in Naperville, IL in 1949. On August 24, 1952, Mary Lou married Harold L. Kinner in Upper Sandusky and moved to Monroe in 1954 from Coshocton, OH. Harold preceded her in death on April 15, 2021.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Monroe since 1954.
After moving to Monroe, Mary Lou taught high school at the former Monroe Vocational School for 9 years. In addition to her years as a teacher, she led a life of service in many other endeavors, including Cub Scout Den Mother, Campfire Blue Bird Leader, Methodist Youth Group Leader, Mercy-Memorial Guild, Michigan Cancer Society, Project Read, United Methodist Women's Circle Leader, and Monroe Jefferson Faculty Wives.
Mary Lou was an early advocate of recycling, healthy eating and exercise. She rode her blue bicycle around her neighborhood up to her 90th birthday.
Her family was treated to many memorable healthy recipes, and just a few not so memorable, such as the infamous soybean casserole!
She is survived by her three children, James P. (Mindy) Kinner of Holland, MI, Sally F. (Dennis) Poore of Monroe and Sara L. (Michael) Gaynor of Flat Rock; one brother, David (Gwen) Kuenzli of Rawson, OH; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Phyllis Overmier and Kathleen Meisner.
In accordance with Mary Lou's wishes, private services have been held and private burial will take place at Plainfield Cemetery in Coshocton County OH.
Mary Lou lived the last 6 years of her life with ALS. She was a resident at Fountain View of Monroe, where she was wonderfully cared for, and where she continued to fully embrace people and life, despite her sufferings. Her unwavering kindness toward all who interacted with her, along with her very worn and ever-present Bible, provided a strong Christian witness to countless many. May she rest in peace.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .