Mary Lou Clay, age 95, of Mendon, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Shane Hill, Rockford.

She was born April 22, 1927, in Center Township, to Charles & Mayme (Rice) Williams. Mary Lou and John J. Clay were married on December 13, 1947, and he preceded her in death February 27, 2003.

She is survived by their sons: Dennis (Janice) Clay and Barry (Vicki) Clay, of Celina, 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 2 step great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband's brothers and sisters: Truman Clay, Wilmer Clay, Mildred Clay Drake, Paul Clay and Bob Clay.

Mary Lou was a 1945 Mendon-Union High School graduate. She was a homemaker, had been the clerk of the Mendon-Union Board of Public Affairs, and also worked at Max Hesse Interiors in Mendon. Mary Lou was a member of Mendon United Methodist Church. She was a part of the original committee who started the Annual Mendon Town Hall Christmas Festival of Trees. As a hobby, Mary Lou enjoyed oil painting. Mary Lou was an avid genealogical researcher. She spent countless hours producing volumes of information regarding her family. She was able to trace the Williams side of her family tree back 19 generations.

Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, on Tuesday, December 13, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 3:00. Pastor Steve Drake will officiate. Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mendon-Union Fire Department or EverHeart Hospice.

Condolences can be expressed to the Clay family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.