Heaven gained the most selfless, caring and positive angel on April 15, 2024.

Mary Lou was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Max and Lucille Gerken on March 4, 1944. She attended St. Marys Grade School and Washington High School in Sioux Falls. In 1967, she graduated from St. Marys College in Omaha, Nebraska, then began her long career as an elementary school teacher in Omaha. She fell in love with Kemp Reynolds, the handsome mechanic who fixed the funny noise in her car, and he became the love of her life. Following their marriage on August 9, 1969, they moved to Norwalk, Iowa. Mary Lou was embraced dearly by the Reynolds family and Iowa living. She transferred to the Des Moines Public School system, where she taught mostly first grade for over 40 years.  Many of her students were gifted with "Reynolds' Wraps" her signature HUG!

Mary Lou and Kemp were blessed with three children, Pat (Lisa), Tammy (Clint) and Kim. She loved going to the farm and all the "Farm Stuff" on the weekends and having family dinners.  Mary Lou became known for her creativity and generous spirit.  Friends and neighbors knew she could be counted on to help in many ways.  She prepared decorations for weddings, flowers for gravestones, and creative handmade banners for multiple occasions, to mention a few of her talents.  She loved to bake and made the best Hershey Brownies, chocolate chip cookies and was famous for her chocolate roll that she made for special occasions.

Despite her many health problems in her later years, she persisted without complaint and was strong and willing to give her best fight and always looked for the good in everything.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, and a grandson Dawson Reynolds; brother-in-law, Brent Reynolds.

Cherishing her memory are Kemp Reynolds, her husband of 54 years; as well as, their children, Pat Reynolds (Lisa), Tammy Hill (Clint Hill), Kim Reynolds; grandchildren, Tyler Reynolds, Jordan Reynolds, Amelia Hill, Sabrina Hill and Abby Ernst; three sisters, Cari Lenahan (Jack), Ginny Weatherston (Rick), Vicki Gerken; brother, David Richtor (Sandy); sisters-in-law, Carolyn Little and Janet Reynolds; and many extend family and friends that became family.

Mary Lou lived a selfless life worthy of being remembered with JOY, Strength and Gratitude.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1 p.m., April 28, 2024, at the Croatian Center, 6575 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, 50320. The family would love for you to attend and share memories. Memorials, in memory of Mary Lou, may be given to the family for a contribution at a later date or to an organization important to your family.

In Mary Lou's words, she would want to Thank You All SUPER MUCH for the Best Memories.