Mary Lou Crawford, 97, passed away August 30, 2025. She was born April 13, 1928, in Tescott, Kansas to Chester “Clyde” and Margaret “Maggie” Chambers.
After graduating from Tescott High School in 1946, she attended Brown Mackie School of Business. Mary Lou married Cloyde Dent of Brookville on October 17, 1948. Together they raised two children, a son, Darvin and a daughter, Lu Ann. On August 17, 1978, she married her second husband, Roland Crawford (d. 1991).
Mary Lou worked as a clerk for Wilson Livestock and Beverly Sales Company livestock auction and was a secretary for Century 21 Wilson Realty. For several years she sold real estate for Realty Associates and was the office manager for George Johnson Real Estate. She was an excellent seamstress, making her own pant suits and her kids’ clothes. She designed and knitted many sweaters and baby blankets for her family, and prayer shawls for the elderly.
Mary Lou was a charter member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Salina, a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority, and Sisters of the Heart quilt group. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers, Marion Clay Chambers and Harold Chambers, her sister, Maxine Hogarty, her son-in-law, Kevin Watts, and her great- granddaughter, Kodi Ann Fuller.
She is survived by her son, Darvin Dent (Mary); daughter, Lu Ann Watts; grandson, Colter Dent; granddaughters, Ryley Wimer (Michael) and Ashley Fuller (Brandon); great grandchildren, Ryder and Collin Dent, Korbin and Denton Fuller, Blayke and Bronson Wimer.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday September 8, 2025, at Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina. A fellowship and luncheon will follow at the Tumbleweed, 5680 W Old Hwy 40, Salina.
Memorials may be made to Saline County Department of Senior Services (Meals on Wheels).
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18