Wood River,

Mary Lou Rose Outhouse, 92 of Wood River, passed away at 10:17 p.m. Sunday, May 12, 2024 at her residence with her family by her side.

Born September 9, 1931 in Farina, IL, she was a daughter of the late William and Clara (Gasell) Hendricks.

Mary Lou and Kenneth O. Outhouse were married on November 24, 1950 in Farina.  On April 17, 2017, Kenneth passed away. They had 66 years and 4 months of marriage together.

She worked as a waitress and the cook at McCrory Department Store/Restaurant at East Gate Plaza in East Alton until it close.  She then worked at Bram's Galley in Cottage Hills (Now Polly's).  Mary Lou retired in 2004 after working over 30 years.

Survivors include two daughters, Connie Burns of Wood River, Kelly Baysden & Danny Whitworth of Alhambra;  three sons, Bryan Outhouse of Joliet, Kenny Outhouse of Wood River, Kevin Outhouse of Wood River; nine grandchildren, Michelle, Melissa, Timothy, Nathan, Casey, Amanda, Jeremy, Jason, Amy; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband and parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by two sons, Baby Bill and Dennis; one daughter, Kathy Oerhert; one grandson, Jesse Outhouse; one great-grandson, T.J Outhouse; one son-in-law, Michael "Mike" Burns; one sister, Betty Bauer; one brother, William Hendricks.

Mary Lou was a quilter.  She love to make quilts for her family and friends.  Flowers played an important part in her life.  She loved to plant flowers and watch them grow into their beauty.  Roses were her favorite.  But most of all she loved her children and all her grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren.  She especially loved babies.

A celebration of Mary Lou's life will begin at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River.  Services will follow at 12:00 p.m. with her son Bryan Outhouse officiating.

Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials may be given to that of one's choice.