Mary Lou Kerns (Reames), 86, passed away peacefully in her home in Belle Center on April 30, 2020. She was preceded in death by parents, James and Gladys Reames of Middleburg; a sister, Bernadine Cronkleton of West Mansfield; and a brother, LeRoy Reames of Bellefontaine.
She is survived by a younger brother James (“Jimmy”) Reames of Leland, Miss.; three loving children, Kathy Kerns-Gooden of Austin, Texas, Judy Kitson (Chris) of Belle Center, and Ken Kerns (Mary) of Granville. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Casey (Jenny) Patton, Scott Patton, Kylie Kitson, Megan (Richard) Mills, Zachary Gooden, Zane Gooden, Alex Kerns, Nick Kerns; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Harper Patton.
Mary Lou proudly grew up in the farming community of Middleburg. As a younggirl, Mary Lou enjoyed gathering fresh eggs with her beloved brother, Jimmy, and helping her mother manage the farm after the early passing of her father. Upon graduating high school, Mary Lou was determined to become a teacher, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree at Wittenberg University, and a Master’s degree from Wright State University. Mary Lou dedicated 30 years of her life to teaching, retiring from Benjamin Logan’s School District, and fulfilled her wanderlust with travel all around the world.
Throughout her adult life she created stunning art using wood, acrylic paints, fabric and other elements inspired by nature and geometric abstraction. Mary Lou never let her past dictate her direction and never forgot the value of friends and family. She was a woman with a beautiful smile and an adventurous heart, but most of all, she was a wonderful mother and grandmother that will be missed and never forgotten. She will be remembered for her personal strength, her courage, her beauty, and her ability to inspire.
In keeping with the current health restrictions, a limited family service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2020, at the Wilson Funeral Home, 222 W. Center St., West Mansfield. A special celebration of life will be announced at a later date for those wishing to share their memories. Please join the family in remembrance by making a memorial contribution to Benjamin Logan School District’s art program in lieu of flowers or other adornments. Donations can be addressed to the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com