Mary Lou Howell, age 85, of New Bremen, died on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 2:32 p.m. at the Hospice of Central Ohio at the OSU Wexner Medical Center surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 3, 1938 in St. Marys, the daughter of the late J. Frederick and Annabelle L. (Hoeper) Koch. On January 16, 1960, she married the love of her life, Richard D. Howell, and the two shared 64 years of marriage. Richard resides in New Bremen.

Also surviving are her sons: William Howell of Brooklyn, New York, and Thomas (Jennifer) Howell of New Bremen; her three granddaughters: Mackenzie Howell, Allison Howell, and Katie Howell; her siblings: Charles (Jeanine) Koch of California, Susan (Dennis) Kapcar of Delphos, and her sister in-law Margene Howell of Beavercreek.

Mary Lou was a 1956 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School and went on to attend Bowling Green State University for two years. Mary Lou was a devout Catholic and an active member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen. Mary Lou was a loving mother and homemaker who was known for her talented cooking and her love of baking - especially her carrot cake, cheesecake, and fruit pies. She loved animals of all kinds and had multiple dogs throughout her life.

She was a dedicated business partner, helping to run Howell's IGA for many years. She and Dick enjoyed extensive traveling with their IGA group, but they particularly loved their trips to Hawaii. Mary Lou was a very social person who enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her friends at the coffee shop, but her favorite activity was spending time with her family and doting on her three granddaughters.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Mary Lou's life will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen. A luncheon will follow the Mass.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the Mass, on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and also following the Mass during the luncheon. Private family inurnment will take place in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions in memory of Mary Lou can be made to: Ohio's Hospice of Central Ohio (2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, Ohio 43055).

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family on the funeral home website, gilberghartwigfh.com.