Mary Lou Thomas Williams

(March 5, 1927 – July 22, 2017

Mary Lou Thomas Williams of Pocatello, Idaho and formerly from Malad, Idaho passed away peacefully at her home on July 22, 2017 with her loving family at her side. She was born to Thomas F. Thomas and Maude Jones Thomas in the big, red-brick house in St. John.

She attended grades 1-8 in the St. John school and then went to Malad High School. She was active in many high school organizations and graduated in 1945 as valedictorian. She then went to work for the Malad Ration Board when World War II was being fought. When the war ended and the Ration office closed, Mary Lou then worked for Griff Davis Water Co. as a secretary.

In the fall of 1947, she went to Albion Southern Idaho College of Education to study and become a teacher. She graduated May, 1948 and in the fall began teaching 6th grade at McCammon.

She met Dean Lorenzo Williams at a wedding reception where he asked her to dance and their relationship became very serious. They were married December 28, 1948 in St. John and sealed in the Logan Temple April 13, 2016. They stayed in St. John farming until 1956 when they moved to Pocatello with their three children Dean Lamont, Debra, and Tom. Shauna was born in Pocatello. Mary Lou attended I.S.U. and graduated with a B. A. Degree. She taught school for School District 25 in Pocatello for 28 years where she was admired by many students.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints and had many callings-Cub Scouts, Sunday School, and in the Relief Society presidency, as secretary and as a visiting teacher.

She had a strong testimony of the gospel. She was also a member of the Retired Educators of Idaho and for many years served on the South Bannock County Fair Committee.

Her and Dean had pride in their farm and continued to be involved in farming and running cattle while in Pocatello. She had a great love of planting a big family garden at the farm and would grow the best vegetables. She made the best pies and loved doing things for her family.

Mary Lou lost her sweetheart Dean in December of 2014. She is survived by four children, Dr. Dean Lamont (Maralyn), Debra Weber (Kim), Tom (Janet), and Shauna. She has 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Susan Garcia, Barbara Thomas (sister-in-law) and one aunt, Norma Jones and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers Dale (Fern) and John.

The family would like to thank her 26th Ward Family, Heritage Home Health and Hospice, Friends and Family, neighbors, large extended family, and Horsley Funeral Home for their support. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 26 at 12 noon in the Pocatello 26th Ward Chapel, 3444 Hawthorne Rd. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com