Mary Lou Lopez

Mary Lou Lopez aka “First Virgin Mary, then Mother Mary, then Grandma Mary” passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 peacefully in her sleep. Mary Lou was born on Good Friday, April 23, 1943 to her parents Russell and Helen Hemmelgarn in Fort Wayne, Indiana. One of 8 siblings, preceeded in death before her, her brother Bill Hemmelgarn, her Sister Donna Mabee and Brother-in-Lawn Larry Schaefer. Surviving siblings: Carol Schaefer, Jean & Ronald Miller, Kay & John Shank, Linda Hemmelgarn and Wanda & John Boehme.

Mary is survived by her husband Raymond Lopez lll, her son Raymond Lopez lV and wife Gina, Daughters: Julie Meeks and husband Barry, Gina McCormick, Toni Sanders and husband Kelly, and Angie Olive and husband Scott. 
Grandchildren: Deceased, Jesse Jesus Lopez, Surviving, Jaime & Robert Anderson, Ashley & Aaron Jeffers, Lindsey & Garret Flynt, Stacey & Jennifer Meeks, Amy & Greg Hutchison, Justin McCormick, Chasity & TJ Shipman, Christian Gregory, Ray Ray & Laura Lopez, Juan & Raquel Perales, Jessica & Roman Rodriguez, Lauren & John Mouser, Emily & Scott Koch, Audrey Olive.
Great Grandchildren: Madison & Jaxson Flynt, Allysa & Avery Jeffers, Jonathon, Gavin And Ryan Hutchison, Luke, Daniel, Seth and Abby Anderson, Sailyn & Brynlee Meeks, Dylan & Corey Shipman, Peyton Marquez & Talynn Reason, Jadyn McCormick, Aubrianna, Ray, and Tristan Lopez, Analiyah, John Daniel, and Josiah Perales, Julissa & Evalynn and Camila Rodriguez, and Baby Oliver William Koch (Coming in April 2023).

In 1955, Jean took Mary Lou (6th Grader) to meet Raymond Lopez (5th grader) at Teenagers Dance Club and she could not take her eyes off him because he was dancing with his sister Delores, and they could cut a rug! Did I mention how cute he was!!! She waited patiently for her turn to dance with him, and when they danced it was magic, they both fell in love and in 1961 they were married and the rest is history!! On October 1, 2022 they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Ray & Mary Have 5 Children, 15 grandchildren, 26 Great-grandchildren and a baby boy due in April 2023. 

Mary and Ray married in 1961 and lived in California while Ray served in Vietnam War until 1964. They moved to Indiana with their 3 girls, later had their son Raymond and Daughter Angie and lived there until February 1979. Ray decided to move the family to Texas, so they packed up everything and started a new life in Texas where they have a lot of family. Mary got a job at General Dynamics and worked there until they layed her off in 1998, She decided that she was now retired and stayed home and let Ray work to provide for the family. In October of 1999 they moved to Alvarado to start life in the country. Mary loved her family and made several trips back to Indiana to see them. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards and traveling with her family. She made everyone believe that they were her favorite! She was the life of the party!

She will be missed but we know that all of us have a small piece of Mary in us because of the way she touched each of our lives. Momma, Grandma, Mary Lou this is not good-bye, we will see you again!

We love you with all our hearts!

Food will be available after the interment on Nov. 3rd, at the VFW, 6732 US-67, Alvarado, TX 76009.

Mary loved her family fiercely. Especially her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Her great grandson, Jax, was diagnosed with a terminal disease and in lieu of flowers we know she would prefer you donate to Jax research fund to help find a cure. 

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