Mary Lou Ijams, 86, formerly of Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Westgate at Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, Mo. Mary Lou was born June 20, 1936, in rural Vernon County near Sandstone, Mo., to Harry C. and Jennie A. (Swift) Householder. She married Tom Warner and from this marriage three daughters were born. She later married L. Earl Ijams and he preceded her in death in 2010.
Mary Lou grew up in Sandstone and in Nevada graduating from Nevada High School. She was a homemaker for several years and later worked for Nevada R-5 Schools in the kitchen, followed by the El Dorado Springs School District. In her later years Mary Lou became a caregiver and worked at several area care facilities and also as an in-home caregiver. She attended several churches throughout her life but in later years chose the Baptist as her faith.
Her hobbies included traveling, going to garage sales, shopping, and adding to her cup collection.
Survivors include three daughters, Linda Highley (Kenny), Nevada, Donna Belcher (David), Stevensville, Mont., and Tami Holcomb, Nevada; four grandchildren, Josh Highley (Renee), Nevada, Jordan Highley, Nevada, Jenna Kennedy (Aaron), Grain Valley, Mo., and Monica Belcher, Stevensville, Mont.; five great-grandchildren, Kirstyn Taylor, Walker, La,, Aiden Highley, Nevada, Taylea Highley, Nevada, Eliana Kennedy, Grain Valley, and Rosalee Sonnier, Walker, La.; three stepgreat-grandchildren, Keely Hageman, Kirsten Kolars, and Presten Kolars; three brothers, Don Householder, Nevada, David Householder, Lamar, Mo., and Howard Householder (Karen), Ozark, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Earl, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Carrol Householder, Harold Householder, and Bill Householder; and four sisters, Betty Howrey, Alberta Householder, Alice York, and Melba Driskell.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 5, at Moore Cemetery, in Nevada, with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested in her name to Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of Ferry Funeral Home.
View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.