Mary Lou Tuttle

Mary Lou Tuttle, 86, of Robinson, IL, passed away on March 4, 2023, at Robinson Rehab in Robinson. She was born on October 22, 1936, in West Union, IL, the daughter of Alfred & Louise (Lee) McCollum, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert McCollum, and her close companion, Ivan Parker. She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Karen & Marty Thacker, and by her grandchildren, Abigail Chipman and Cole Chipman.

Mary Lou grew up around West York and attended Hutsonville High School until her senior year, when she transferred to Oblong High School before graduating in 1955. The ensuing years found her moving around, living with various relatives in Michigan and California before meeting Dan Swan. The two were soon married, a union that brought her beloved daughter Karen into the world. Before long, life threw her a curveball, and she found herself as a single mother. She worked hard to provide for her daughter by way of the Ambrosia Chocolate Company in Milwaukee, WI, where she was employed for many years before moving back to Crawford County. Here, she married Bob Tuttle and, for the next 30+ years, dedicated herself to being a farm wife. She worked in a number of other capacities as well. For example, hers was a warm and familiar face at Regions Bank, where she worked as a teller. The end of her career found her interviewing farmers and walking fields as a NASDA Enumerator for the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

When she wasn't on the clock, this social creature loved going out and spending time with her friends. Whether she was bowling, playing bingo, cards, dominoes, or traveling to area gospel sings and bluegrass concerts, she refused to let life pass her by, but soaked up every moment of goodness she could! Later in her life, she found a kindred spirit in Ivan Parker, and together, they cut up the dance floors of numerous local establishments. Though Ivan was a Chicago Cubs fan, Mary Lou's family brought the two of them along for her first (and only) Major League Baseball game at Busch Stadium, the home of her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, a nail-biter that the Redbirds ultimately won!

Back home, she was a staple at her grandchildren's volleyball and basketball games. Time and again, Mary Lou proved her love for her family, and they loved this sweet, sassy soul in turn. Though she wasn't given an easy life, she refused to let heartbreaks and disappointments sour her kind, endearing spirit. As we continue to reflect on her 86 years with us, may we be reminded that life is ultimately what you make it. We are so thankful that Mary Lou Tuttle made hers a good one!

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to publicly share memories of this dear woman. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "American Cancer Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.