Mary Campbell Obituary

Mary Lou Campbell
Born: September 16, 1943
Died: July 28, 2025
Mary Lou Campbell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2025, in Joliet, Illinois, at the age of 81.
Born Mary Lou Jones on September 16, 1943, in Pontiac, Illinois, she grew up in Odell, where she met the love of her life, Larry Campbell. The two were classmates in grade school, became high school sweethearts, and married on July 26, 1964 - a union that lasted over 61 years and stood as an enduring example of love and partnership.
Mary Lou graduated from high school in Clearwater, FL, and then from Illinois State University with a degree in secondary business education. While she chose not to pursue teaching, she built a fulfilling career as an internal accountant for the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, where her dedication and attention to detail were greatly valued. She and Larry spent many happy years raising their family in the Bloomington, Illinois, area before later moving to Crest Hill, Illinois to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren.
Family was the center of Mary Lou's life. She is survived by her loving husband, Larry; daughters Suzan Campbell of Woodridge, Illinois and Melissa (Mark) Brenner of Downers Grove, Illinois; and her cherished grandchildren Elise (22), Grace (20), and Matt (18). Nothing made her happier than having her family together.
Mary Lou is also survived by her oldest brother Jim Jones of LaSalle, IL, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Her parents, John Richard Jones and Velma (nee Ahrends) Jones, and a brother Gene Jones preceded her in death, along with many beloved in-laws.
Mary Lou had many passions that filled her life and touched those around her. A talented quilter, she crafted numerous beautiful quilts for her family, each one stitched with love. She enjoyed tracing her family roots through genealogy, uncovering fascinating stories within the Jones, Ahrends, Campbell and Brenner family lines. She found happiness in her home, which she decorated with care and style. She especially loved decorating for holidays and enjoyed all the shopping for the "perfect" accent items for every nook and cranny. She treasured the antiques displayed in her home, some of which were used by her own ancestors and others that she acquired through "antiquing" - a hobby she and Larry enjoyed in their younger years.
Mary Lou delighted in life's simple pleasures, such as watching her favorite shows - once devoted to soap operas, later to HGTV and reality TV, and to everyone's surprise, becoming an enthusiastic fan of women's basketball in recent years. She also enjoyed nothing more than reading a good book under a favorite quilt, intermingled with a nap, with some chocolate and an iced tea. Most weekends Larry and Mary Lou would plan a meal out (she was not a fan of cooking!) with friends or family and return home for a spirited card game.
She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal, Illinois. But after moving to Crest Hill, she did not join a new church, instead attending services with her daughters at their church, Christ Church of Oak Book.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Anderson-Goodale Memorial Home located at 21131 W. Renwick Road, Plainfield, Illinois on Wednesday, August 6th, followed by a funeral at 12:30 p.m. at the same location.
Mary Lou will be deeply missed by friends and family. Her love, humor, and devotion to those she held dear will always remain in their hearts. We will forever think of Mary Lou/Mom/Gramma Lou when we spot a cardinal, her favorite bird.
Memorials may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of her many family members who suffered from that disease.