Mary Lou (Thrasher) Klein, age 97, a resident of The Willows at Willard, died on June 16, 2026. She was born on July 7, 1928 in Sandusky, Ohio to Chauncey Albert Thrasher and Thelma Barnes Thrasher.
Mary Lou is survived by her three children, Elizabeth Klein Ilem (Lech), Doug Klein (Cindy), and Susan Fritz (Mark). She always wanted six children and that was accomplished with her children’s spouses. She leaves behind five grandchildren, Leah Ilem, David Ilem (Allison), Katy Klein Kohman, Sarah Fritz and Jacob Fritz. She was also blessed with seven great grandchildren, Marissa Fritz, LuMar Garrett, Devan Garrett, Cam Kirksey, Addalyn Fritz, Jack Ilem, Norah Ilem and one great-great grandson, Pablo Garcia-Perez. She loved them all, was proud of them all, and especially enjoyed hearing about their lives.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, C. Robert Klein in 2016; her parents, Chauncey and Thelma Thrasher; and sister, Margaret (Peg) Garvin.
Mary Lou was a graduate of Sandusky High School and Miami University of Oxford, Ohio. While in college she joined the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and met her future husband, Bob. They made their home in Bellevue, Ohio and raised their three children. Mary Lou was a stay-at-home Mom, seamstress, upholsterer (get a book from the library, you can do it!), gardener, member of bridge club, Ohio Club and volunteer at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. She encouraged her children to be involved with scouting, music lessons, to be faithful members of church and further their education. We wouldn’t be who we are today without Mom!
Mary Lou served as President of the Bellevue Hospital Board, as a Stephen’s Minister and at her various churches (Graceway Presbyterian Church of Leesburg, FL; Lakeside Methodist Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bellevue). She was a substitute teacher at Bellevue City Schools and at age 70, she became a member of AA. She was an encourager to others that dealt with addictions and saw potential in those going through hard times.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Secor Funeral Home in Willard is honored to be assisting Mary Lou’s family with her funeral services. Online condolences can be left for her family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.