Mary Lou Stafford

Mary Lou Stafford, Called home to her Lord early Sunday morning, November 29, 2015, at Harry Hynes Hospice in ViaChristi St. Francis hospital of natural causes surrounded by family. Mary Lou was 92 years old. She was born in Formoso, Kansas, November 3, 1923 as the second child of Carrie (Hout) Field and Howard Field Sr. on their family farm. Mary Lou left home at sixteen to attend Bethel College mastering in music education. She went on to become an educator of elementary to high school children. A strong believer of never growing up she enjoyed watching animated movies with her granddaughter and joking with friends, often being called a troublemaker at her Sunday school at Asbury Methodist Church. Mary Lou believed life without humor was not fun. Mary Lou served as a writer to "shut-ins" that were unable to attend church services by writing letters to them weekly until she became too ill. She was a member of PEO, NEA, and OKMEA for many years. Mary Lou is preceded in death by husband, Dr. Ronald Stafford, sons Roger Stafford and Michael Stafford, her brother Howard Field Jr. and her sister-in-law Louise (Stafford) Field, and special family friend Lorraine Moon and many other friends and family that are too many to mention. Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Tracey (Stafford) Tarverdi her son-in-law Benny, grandchildren David Tarverdi his wife Vonne and Danielle Tarverdi, Justin Stafford his wife Mariah and Amanda (Stafford) Pratt her husband Jerry and five great grandchildren; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Special thanks go to Mary Lou Stafford's wonderful neighbors, friends at Northwest YMCA, caretakers from Right at Home, Family Health and Rehab, Presbyterian Manor, and Via Christi St. Francis. Memorials for Mary Lou Stafford can be sent in her name to one of the many charities she donated to: Asbury Methodist Church, The Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity. Private graveside service will be held in Formoso, Kansas.