Mary Louise "Mary Lou" Wernz, 84, of Marshall, IL passed away Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 in Willowbrook Memory Care of Marshall. She was born on Dec. 11, 1941, the daughter of Harvey and Marjorie (Chrisman) Hurst. On Oct. 27, 1962, she married Tommy Wernz. Surviving is her husband; two daughters, Karin (Bill) Cook of Marshall, Cheryl (Greg) Steenberg of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Adam (Nicole) Cook, Mallory (Jordan) Simonton, Luke Cook, Cameron (Kensey) Steenberg, Carly Steenberg, Katie Steenberg; great grandchildren, Sophia & Maggie Cook, Will & Harrison Simonton, and Ellie Steenberg. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Anne Hurst of South Bend, IN, and brothers and sisters-in-law Albert (Melissa) Wernz and Daniel (Faith) Wernz all of Marshall, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Harvey A. Hurst, her grandparents, Hugh and Ruth Chrisman and Mamie and E.B. Hurst and her in-laws, Antone and Ruby Wernz. Mary Lou was a graduate of Marshall High School Class of 1960. She enjoyed still getting together once a month with several of her classmates. She attended Eastern IL University and eventually retired from Courthouse Realty. She was very involved in the community of Marshall serving at the Clark County Fair Board Secretary for many years. She was a member and past member of several clubs, including Clark County Optimist Club, Garden Club, Antique Study Club and Marshall Service League. She was also a recipient of the Service League Diana Award.She loved attending ball games and activities that her children and later grandchildren participated in. She also had many friends that she loved spending time with. She went on many girl trips, played Bunco, Bridge and Rummy with her Monday afternoon card group.The family wants to extend a special thank you to Phyllis Turner, Willowbrook Memory Care and Transitions Hospice for their wonderful care these past few months.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Clark County Optimist Club. Private services will be held Monday. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 PM, Jan. 11th at the Rayne Meadow Event Center, 15971 N. Arford Lane, Marshall, IL. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.