Mary Lou (Gardiner) Shanklin

Mary Lou Shanklin, 88, of Navarre, passed away peacefully, early Wednesday morning, January 19, 2022.  Born in Randolph County, Missouri, March 23, 1933, a daughter to the late William and Ruby (Littrell) Gardiner, Mary Lou was an area resident her entire life, and graduated from Massillon Washington High School with the Class of 1951.

She held several different jobs with local employers prior to working as a secretary in the Tuslaw Local School District, retiring in 1995 with 20 years of dedicated service.  A member of Newman Baptist Church, Mary Lou had more recently attended Calvary Baptist in Moffitt Heights, but loved both faith communities and thought of them as her extended family.  A devoted mom, grandma and great-grandma, Mary Lou set her family and her faith at the center of her life.  She served her Lord and each of those He gave her with a full heart and to the very best of her ability.  In her leisure time, Mary Lou loved to read; she enjoyed puzzles and watching the wildlife that crossed her backyard.

Predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Lois A. Indorf and Della M. Shanower; a niece, Gwenn Scott; and her former husband, Franklin H. Shanklin; Mary Lou is survived by her children, Susan (John) Hunt and Lewis (Erin) Shanklin, all of Navarre.  Additional survivors include her grandchildren, Amanda Hunt (and fiancé, Josh Carmack), Brenda (Stetson) Brammer, Rachel Hunt, Laura Shanklin (and fiance, Louis Keller) and Rebecca Shanklin; her great-grandson, Waylon Brammer; brother-in-law, Corky Shanower and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022, at Newman Baptist Church.  Rev. Tim Mishler will officiate, and burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive condolences Sunday afternoon, January 23, from 4-6:00 p.m. at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.  Covid protocols including masking remain in effect for the visitation and services.

The family extends warm thanks to the staff of Brewster Parke and Mercy Hospice for the dedication and kindness shown to their mom!  Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added to our on-line guestbook at www.atkinsonfeucht.com.

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