Mary Lou Sandlin

Mary Lou was born on August 9, 1928 to parents, Arthur and Mary DeGrauwe in Rock Island, Illinois. She was raised in the Rock Island area and was influenced by her parent's Belgian heritage. She attended Augustana College, and in 1952 began work with Braniff Airlines. Mary Lou met her beloved husband, JB that same year. It was love at first sight. They were married after their fourth date. They wed on October 11, 1952. Mary Lou was instrumental in helping develop their family business, Sandlin Homes. She was partner and chief decorator, until her retirement in 1995, all while raising their four children. Mary Lou and JB had a passion for traveling and made many memories traveling with their

children and grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Suzy Speight and her husband, Matt, Mike Sandlin and his wife, Eva, Terry Sandlin, and his wife Melissa, and Scott Sandlin, and his wife, Michelle; grandchildren, Maggie Speight Taylor and her husband, Christopher, Zachary Speight, Abby Speight, Jon Sandlin and his wife, Maureen, Stephen Sandlin and his wife, Kori, Christopher Sandlin, Jilaine Sandlin, Beth Sandlin Moore and her husband, Charlie, Jordan Sandlin, Danielle Sandlin, and Samantha Sandlin; great-grandchild, Elizabeth Sandlin; Sister, Betty Hamerlinck and her husband, Eugene and numerous other relatives and friends.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, JB; grandson, Andrew Sandlin; parents, Arthur and Mary DeGrauwe and brother, Robert DeGrauwe. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the loving caregivers for all of their kindness and dedication to Mary Lou

through the past years.