Mary Lou Ryan Rickman

Mary Lou was born June 25, 1929 in Medford, Oregon to Elmer Ryan & Agnes Gruetzner. Weighing only 24 ounces, she was the largest and only survivor of a set of triplets. At the age of 4 she began dancing and singing lessons and was soon performing throughout Southern Oregon. During WWII she was frequently pulled out of class at St. Mary’s to sing at weddings for soldiers who were being shipped out.

When she was 14, the boy who would become the love of her life walked into the classroom. Mary Lou and Howard Rickman married October 30, 1948 on the 5 year anniversary of their first date. They were together over 67 years.

She loved dancing, swimming, camping, cooking and being with family and friends. She made many lifelong friends, starting when she was only 3 years old. When the family moved to Eugene and then Beaverton, Mary Lou kept in touch by writing letters. As long as she was able to write, she never forgot to send a card for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. As much as she loved phone calls, they were not a substitute for a letter or card. As her short-term memory got too short she kept a notebook and after Howard passed away in 2010 she wrote a note to him every night for the rest of her life.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was affectionately called “BabaLou”.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Howard and her brother Bill Ryan. She is survived by her daughter Lynn Allen, son Patrick Rickman, granddaughter Cheri Allen, great-grandson Taylor Marshall, great-granddaughter Rilea Allen, nephew Terry Lee Ryan, many members of her extended family, friends and, of course, her beloved cats and dogs.

Goodnight for Mary Lou began as “Goodnight, sleep tight, pleasant dreams, I love you.” That eventually became “Goodnite, Pleasy, Love You!” So to Mary Lou, BabaLou, Mom, “Goodnite, Pleasy, Love You!” you will be in our hearts forever.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.