Mary Lou Mornout

Mary Lou Mornout, 97, from Veedersburg, IN, passed away on April 23, 2021 at Cumberland Point Health Campus in West Lafayette, IN.

Mary Lou was born in Crawfordsville, IN to Niles and Lucille (Ward) Evans on September 30, 1923.  Following graduation from Covington High School in 1941 she married Ralph W. (Jack) Mornout  July 4, 1941 and shared 61 years together until Jack’s death in 2002. Their son, Kerry Mornout, born on August 21,1948, preceded her in death in 1999.

Mary Lou was a devoted wife and mother, relishing every minute with her family. They were her first priority. She enjoyed working in their yard and flower garden, tending their many orchids.  She, also, enjoyed watching hummingbirds and other birds who were guests in their yard. Her other hobbies were crafting, working in stained glass with Jack, playing cards, bingo, shuffle board, golf, and eating out.  Most of all she loved her family and friends.

She was employed at the Covington Republican News Paper office after high school graduation, She worked as a civil service employee in the payroll department at Gulfport Field Air Force base in Gulfport, Mississippi while her husband was stationed there during WWII before deploying to India.  She returned to Covington, IN and worked in personnel at Senn Corporation who made “walkie talkie” batteries during the war.  Mary Lou was the editor of the Fountain County Farm News from 1962-1980.

Mary Lou and Jack moved from Covington to Veedersburg after Jack returned from serving in World War II.  She was a member of the Veedersburg Methodist Church since 1947.  She served as Worthy Matron of the Veedersburg Valetta Chapter of the Eastern Star.  She was a charter member of the former Veedersburg Business and Professional Women’s Club, Friday Study Club, United Methodist Women’s Organization, Sky Valley Ladies Golf Club, Sarasota Women’s Service Club, and chaired “Oakhurst Sunshine Committee”, a garden club in Sarasota, FL.  Mary Lou and Jack wintered in Sarasota, FL after Jack retired as West Central IN Co-op manager in1980.

Surviving family members are her grandson, Andrew Mornout (Dallas, TX), daughter-in-law, Claudia Williams Mornout (San Diego, CA), nieces: Dr. Debra (Ken Ling) Sally (Grass Valley, CA), Valerie (Frank) Mannella (Cape Coral, FL), and Karen Evans (Grass Valley, CA), Mary Jo Smith Potter (Georgetown, IL);  nephews: William (Linda) Evans (Scottsdale, AZ), Tom Evans (Roseville, CA), James Evans (Roseville, CA), Charles (Charlene) Mornout (Bismark, IL).

In addition to the loss of her husband and son, her immediate family members predeceased included her parents, grandparents: Niles & Lucille Evans, Charles & Mary (Peter) Evans, Grant & Mary (Rosenbarger) Ward, her sister, Maxine Sally (Colorado Springs, CO), brother, Retired Navy Commander William W. Evans (San Jose, CA ); brothers-in-law:  Lee Roy Mornout (Covington, IN), Walter Sally (Colorado Springs, CO); sisters-in-law: Ona Mornout (Covington), Jayne Knockson Evans (San Jose, CA), Lorraine Evans (San Jose, CA), Margaret Mornout Smith (Covington, IN); and four nieces: Barbara Sally Vance, Sandra Sally Singmaster, Christina Mornout Landers (Danville, IL).

Services will be held at the Dickerson Funeral Home in Veedersburg, IN on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. She will be buried next to her husband and son at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Covington, IN.  The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Veedersburg United Methodist Church, PO Box 155 Veedersburg, IN 47987.