A celebration of life is planned for Mary Lou Winter under the direction of Trout Funeral Home on Saturday, July 9th at 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ponca City, OK. Mary Lou (Phillips) Winter passed away peacefully on July 5, 2022 in Enid, Oklahoma at the age of 95. Mary Lou was born on May 22, 1927 in a rural farmhouse near Industry, Illinois, the fifth daughter born to Melvin Carl Phillips and Pearl Rosina Keeran. She graduated from Industry High School and attended Western Illinois University, in Macomb, on scholarship. There she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree. While at WIU, Mary Lou met Dallas Winter. They married on June 19, 1949, one month after graduating college, and were married 72 years when Dallas passed away in July 2021.

Mary Lou and Dallas began their life together in Galesburg, Illinois where she was a high school teacher. After moving to Edwardsville, Illinois, then on to Ponca City, Oklahoma, Mary Lou focused on raising a family. She gave patient guidance and encouragement to her three children while supporting their education, interests, and activities. Her granddaughters were the next fortunate recipients of her doting affection. Mary Lou’s family was always her priority and she set the tone for many fantastic holidays and family get togethers. The example she set and legacy she leaves is one to strive for.

Mary Lou was a founding member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Her Christian faith and dedication to the work of the church was integral to her life. She enjoyed an active role in United Methodist Women. She was involved in the Sefi Sunday School Class who, upon retirement, enjoyed travel throughout the world together. These were meaningful relationships and she spoke of these friends throughout her life.

Mary Lou had many talents which she lovingly shared with friends and family. She was a gifted seamstress and was known for making beautiful clothes and quilts. Mary Lou crafted a pattern and sewed her own intricate wedding dress and veil, which included a long train and fabric covered buttons. Each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren received personalized quilts, crafted items and often, one-of-a-kind items designed by her and Dallas. Mary Lou enjoyed her quilting groups and friendships. Sewing was a way of saying ‘I love you’ to family and friends.

As her children grew up, she returned to school and obtained a Master’s in Education from Oklahoma State University. Mary Lou’s career included teaching at Ponca City High School, Northern Oklahoma College and Pioneer Tech. She taught for a total of 22 years prior to her retirement in 1992.

She was involved in professional organizations, especially enjoying PEO. She also volunteered frequently in the community at the Child Development Center, Helpline, Ponca City Regional Medical Center, Church mission trips, Vacation Bible School and wherever a need presented itself. She thoroughly enjoyed the Ponca City Square Dancing group and several Quilting Guilds.

Mary Lou is predeceased by her husband Dallas Winter, sisters, Clara Lashbrook Lynn, Nova Shriver, Loa Catron and Mabel Mershon, whom all resided in Illinois.

She is survived by her 3 children: Marsha Ward of Edmond, OK, Gary Winter of Ponca City, OK and Krista Roberts (Don) of Enid, OK. Also by 5 granddaughters: Jennifer Hubbart (Landon), Edmond, OK, Whitney Guild, Oklahoma City, OK, Julie Wilson (Jared), Edmond, OK, Heather King, Winfield, KS and Kelsey Roberts, Enid, OK. In addition, Mary Lou is survived by 9 great grandchildren: Benton Hubbart, Emery Hubbart, Addy Hubbart, Reid Hubbart, Carl Guild, Griffin Wilson, Gary Lane King, Grant King and Grayson King. She is survived by a niece, Susie Miller and nephew, Larry Mershon both of Illinois, as well as extended family.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial gifts be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church UMW group in Mary Lou’s name, 1904 N Pecan Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.