Mary Lou Love April 11, 1929- August 10, 2010 Mary Lou was born to Robert C. and Essie Ferrie in Chicago on April 11, 1929, living in Wabash, Indiana until moving to Salt Lake City in 1953 where she was employed as an executive secretary for an oil company. In 1958 Mary Lou traveled Europe with a group of professional women returning to Salt Lake to meet geologist Chester Love. They eloped to Las Vegas and were married 51 years ago in 1959. Shortly thereafter, they moved with the ebb and flow of the oil business landing in Coalinga, La Habra, and Huntington Beach. In 1973 the family moved to Saudi Arabia thru ARAMCO and then returned to live in Denver in 1978, and finally to Bakersfield in 1987. Frequent moving was a part of the oil industry lifestyle, and she always adapted to new situations, opportunities and new friends. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, and an indulging grandmother. She is survived by her husband Chester, and his mother Margaret Love of Wichita, Kansas. Her son and daughter-in-law, Steven Reed Love and Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love of Rancho Mirage, CA, her daughter and son-in-law, Debi and Casey O'Connell, and their children- Hunter and Chase O'Connell, of Des Moines, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents and only sibling, Robert C. Ferrie Jr. Mary Lou kept a close eye on her kids by working days in the school district. She loved to travel with her family and was fortunate enough to see much of the world. In her younger years with her family, she participated as YWCA Indian Maiden Leader, Brownies and Girl Scouts, PTA Member and Band Supporting Parent. Mary Lou was devoted to her Senior Ministry at First United Methodist Church and Chapel Service in Bakersfield, and the Assistance League-Operation School Bell, dressing underprivileged children for school. She was a passionate believer in the benefits of adult and childhood reading programs thru her volunteer tutoring. Mary Lou was a participant in lupus, arthritis, and cancer support groups. She was a member of the PEO Women's Organization, Bakersfield Republican Women, Engineer's Wives, and the Bakersfield Country Club. Throughout her life, she was a compassionate, active participant in both charitable and social organizations and a dear friend to many. Her laugh was contagious and she always presented a smile no matter what the situation. Mary Lou loved to golf, play cards with her bridge group friends and was a voracious reader. She was a warm involved person in her social, charitable, and church groups. She shared a strong interest with her husband in watching golf and cheering for the Denver Broncos and they shared many happy hours together. She was a real friend. We will miss her terribly but rejoice that her suffering is no more. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 16, 2010, at 12:00 p.m, at The First United Methodist Church, 4600 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, with burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd, Bakersfield. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to: First United Methodist Church Memorial Funds, 4600 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93309 or Bakersfield Assistance League, 1924 Q Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 www.bakersfield.com/obits
Published in Bakersfield Californian from August 13 to August 14, 2010