Mary Louise "Mary Lou" Carlson, 80, died Oct. 15, 2016, at Schowalter Villa, Hesston. She was born Sept. 18, 1936, in Little River, to Charley and Iris (Downing) Wilson.

Mary Lou graduated from Little River High School in 1954. She was a homemaker, dairy farmer and real estate agent. Mary Lou was an active member of Andover Lutheran Church, Stephen Ministry at Bella Vista Community Church, 4-H, and used to do wheat weaving.

Mary Lou married Ramon K. Carlson on Sept. 19, 1954, in Little River. She is survived by: husband of 62 years, Ramon; son, Dr. Verle Carlson and wife Sheryl of Lyons; daughters, Jill Darling and husband David of Bella Vista, Ark., Pam and husband Dr. Greg Nanney of Newton, DeAnn Gann and husband Nick of Bella Vista, Ark.; sister, Marian Pauly and husband Herb of Myrtle Beach, SC; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Berke Thompson.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at Andover Lutheran Church, 115 Dakota Rd., Windom, with the Reverends Elizabeth Liggett and Darrel Johnson officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary, with family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Andover Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made to Andover Lutheran Church or Dementia Care at Schowalter Villa, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.