Mary Lou Mergen

Mary Louise Mergen April 22, 1946 – February 15, 2023

Mary Louise Mergen, 76, of Green Ridge, Missouri, formerly of Sedalia, died February 15, 2023, at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Mary Lou was born April 22, 1946, in Kirksville, Missouri, daughter of Maurice Timothy Moran and Frances Virginia (Reed) Moran. She was a 1964 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Sedalia. After high school, she worked as a lithograph artist for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. She returned home to marry John Theodore Mergen, who preceded her in death in 2002. They were united in marriage on July 17, 1965, at St. Patrick Church in Sedalia.

Mary Lou was a homemaker until the 1980's when she also became an engraver for her father's growing award business. Later, her husband John joined the business and together they developed M&M Engraving into a business which provided trophies, plaques, and awards for countless people and organizations throughout the state, including the Missouri State Fair and the American Royal. Mary Lou enjoyed collecting antiques and finding unique collectibles. She was extremely creative and loved decorating, planting flowers in her greenhouse, knitting, sewing, and making art. She also enjoyed baking and creating elaborately decorated cakes, sugar cookies, and homemade rolls for her family and friends. Mary Lou is survived by her three children, Diane Burnett of Sedalia, Jennifer Woolery of Lee’s Summit, and Matt (Kari) Mergen of Green Ridge. She was known as “Ma” by her five grandchildren, Kate (Bryson) Waibel, Hannah Weeks, Sam Burnett, John Reed Mergen, and Mattilyn Mergen, and three great grandchildren; Owen Weeks, August Waibel, and Eloise Waibel. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Mergen, and her brother, Robert Moran, who died in infancy.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 20, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sedalia, Missouri, in Mary Lou’s honor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Pettis County Cattleman’s Association Scholarship Fund which was previously established in memory of John Mergen. Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.