Mary Lou Roberts

October 13 was another grace-filled day in the life of Miriam Louise “Mary Lou” Roberts as she returned to her eternal home after fully embracing 94 years.

Mary Lou entered her Earthly home on February 16, 1930, as the eldest of five humor-laced Sanders kids. Her beloved parents were Roscoe and Miriam Sanders, and they were responsible for the laughter and joy that ensued. Her siblings, pranksters themselves, were Carol, Sandra, Jim, and Michael. Carol and Sandra preceded Mary Lou in death, while Jim (Antoinette) and Mike (Jason) remain to lead the Sanders clan in laugh-filled gatherings.

Mary Lou was married to James M. Roberts for 63 years. They, too, danced and laughed their way to five children, Steve (Julie), Lisa (Dan), Tim (Katie), Vince (Cindy), and Chris (Julia). Jim preceded Mary Lou in death, departing in 2013.

Mary Lou was the epitome of a nurturing parent. She consistently reminded her children that they were capable of achieving what they set their hearts to. Her core values were Love, Joy, and Kindness, and she brought these to life daily. In her role as Nana to her 20 grandchildren, she was a source of meaningful counsel, love, and laughter. Her grandchildren are Amanda, Chelsie, Jasmine, Tyler, Luc, Anya, Nikki, Alexa, Kristin, Patrick, Kevin, Kyle, Christie, Matt, Heidi, Jordan, Rachel, Eric, Brian, and Colin. Adding to her legacy, she also was cherished by her 28 great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou worked for 15 years at the L.S. Ayres downtown as the Fashion Coordinator, organizing countless fashion shows in the Tea Room. She was always dressed to perfection, even if she was just running simple errands. 

Mary Lou, along with Monsignor Galvin, was one of the original founding members of the St. Mary’s Child Center in Indianapolis. She cared deeply about the services offered to mentally challenged youth. Additionally, her financial commitment to St. Jude Children’s Hospital was decades long, with the first check written every year.

Mary Lou’s direct eye contact and warm smile rendered her memorable to all she met. And then came the jokes and humor. Never one to miss her daily rosary, her commitment to the Blessed Mary never wavered. A beautiful statue of Mary graced every home she ever lived in, a testament to her unwavering faith.

Mary Lou’s visitation will be held at Legacy-Lawrence on Thursday, October 17 from 4-7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, her home parish for over 65 years, at 11:00 on Friday, October 18. Please bring your best Mary Lou jokes and stories. She loved the beauty of flowers, so they are welcome, but a donation to the St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center in her honor would have her smile the brightest amongst the stars.