Mary Lou (Libby) Schlenker

Mary Lou Schlenker, age 96 of Anna, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 7:35am on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Hillview Nursing Home in Vienna, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 16, 1928, in Harrisburg, IL, to Harry and Mamie (Bond) Libby. She married Wardell Schlenker in Piggott, AR on December 26, 1947. He preceded her in death on December 7, 2008.

Mary Lou was committed to her faith and family her entire life. As a young family, they became active in Baptist church missions. She was a member of the Anna Heights Baptist Church and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She loved working with the youth group in the church and was committed to sharing the gospel.

Mary Lou worked at the Anna Shoe Factory until the kids came along. She then worked alongside her loving husband on the farm and cared for her family. Later she worked at Anna Wal-Mart in the jewelry department. When she wasn't busy working, you could often find her in the garden tending her flowers and vegetables for canning. She was known for her fabulous cooking and hosted many guests from church, farm, and community. Mary Lou enjoyed quilting and made many quilts for all generations of kids, grandchildren, and church families. Mary Lou had a great sense of humor and loved to play games. She often put together puzzles with her grandchildren and especially enjoyed playing Scrabble. She often created games to play with family and friends. Mary Lou loved poetry and has written many pieces of work.

She is survived by her son, David Schlenker of Anna; six granddaughters, Jennifer Schlenker Bratton, of Nashville, TN; Kim (Scott) Swain of Carbondale; Christy (Jason) Woolard of Carterville; Rebecca Schlenker (Marc) Korb of Jonesboro; Wendy (Eric) Heath of Buncombe; Rachel Schlenker Frazier of Lick Creek and Darren Frazier of Anna; 15 great-grandchildren, Christopher Mowery (fiancé, Kelsea Inman), Shay (Joe) Wuerffel, Karley (John) Hanne, Courtney Woolard, Hannah (Jason) Drew, Emma Bratton, Sydney Heath (fiancé Kyle Worley), Ashley Woolard, Bennett Bratton, Cole Swain, Malayna and Dakota Korb, Anthony, Rylan and Ava Frazier; five great-great-grandchildren, Lucy, Lydia, Charli, Evelyn, and Kellie; brother, Logan Libby of Metropolis her only living sibling whom she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Linda Arnold; a son Daniel "Danny" Schlenker; sisters, Mildred, Geneva, Ruth, and Geraldine; brother, Clifford; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services for Mary Lou Schlenker will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. Darryl Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Anna Cemetery. Visitation will take place from noon until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the funeral home.