Mary Lou Thrush

Mary Lou Thrush, 87, formerly of New Philadelphia passed away on March 13, 2016 in Lexington, North Carolina.

Mary Lou was born in Franklin, Indiana July 6, 1928 to Clarence and Helen M (Dunlap) Yelton.

She was a 1946 graduate of Howe High School in Indianapolis. Upon graduation, Mary Lou worked alongside her husband in his many business ventures as well as developing many interests of her own. These included interior decorating, sewing, knitting, photography and many others. She was an avid flyer, having obtained a commercial, instrument and multi-engine pilot’s license. Her biggest joy in life was calling on people at nursing homes in Ohio and North Carolina.

Among her many activities she belonged to and worked with the JC Wives, Rotary Wives, PTA (Parent Teachers Association) CCL (Child Conservation League), Union Country Club, and the Presbyterian Church in New Philadelphia; where she served as a Trustee and Elder for many years.

As a child, she loved spending time in the town of Franklin with her maternal grand-parents Ophilia and Willard Dunlap. Her grandmother had been a young school teacher in a one room school and left the children captivated with with her stories. Because of their close relationship, Mary Lou attributed many of her strong characteristics to that of her grandmother.

She is survived by her oldest son Gregory (Janice) Thrush of Winston Salem, NC; a granddaughter, Mary Anne (David) Zimmerman of Canton, Ohio; a grandson Samuel Charles Thrush of Indianapolis, IN and six step-grandchildren, Silas (Dawn) Blanchard of Washington DC, Danielle (Adama) Diallo of Alexandria VA, Damon (Michelle) Blanchard of Greensboro, NC, Skye Blanchard of Alexandria VA, Deonna Blanchard of Lexington NC, and Gabrielle Blanchard of Greensboro NC.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Samuel “Robert” Thrush III, whom she married in 1946; her seven brothers and sisters, and youngest son, Jeffery.

A graveside service will be led by Pastor Don Snow on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 10:30 AM in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Mary Lou by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.