Mary Lou Tucker

Mary Lou Tucker, 79, of Eolia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 at Progress West Hospital in O’Fallon. Visitation will take place Friday, Oct. 3 from 4-8 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, MO. The funeral service will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 at 12 p.m. at Eolia United Methodist Church followed by a brief graveside service at Auburn Cemetery in Silex, MO. Mary Lou (affectionately called Moo by some) was born June 1, 1946 to Harry and Edith Kilby in Louisiana, MO. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Tucker, on June 17, 1967, and he survives. She is also survived by two daughters: Tammy Miller (Tom) of Columbia, MO, and Tara Humphreys (Scott) of Bastrop, TX, granddaughter, Colette Marie Miller of Columbia, brother-in-law and sister-in law David and Tina Tucker of Eolia, aunt Betty Anderson of Fort Worth, TX, aunt Dortha Cockerham of Arlington, TX, and many nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends. Mary Lou was active in the Aeolian Club, served as a 4-H leader and was an active member of the Eolia United Methodist Church. Mary Lou stayed home to raise Tammy and Tara until they were old enough for school and she then returned to college. Her daughters remember catching her often studying in the middle of the night after she completed her daily, 60-minute commute to Lindenwood for classes, then returning home to cook supper and have family time. While she must have been exhausted, she never complained as she earned her degree in elementary education in 1983, fulfilling her dream of being a teacher. She taught at Clopton Schools for her entire 27-year career, mostly teaching sixth grade, where she impacted the lives of countless students. She loved catching up with former students and always remembered details about their lives. Don will tell people he is known as Mrs. Tucker’s husband, and he is very proud of that. Tammy, Tara and Colette are grateful that Mary Lou passed on to them her love of reading, travel, music and her curiosity about the world. Mary Lou loved Cardinals baseball, shopping and lunch with friends, time with family and cooking and baking with Colette, notably their annual gingerbread house and deviled eggs for every holiday meal. Mary Lou never met a stranger; she was the friendliest, kindest, most generous person you would ever meet. Her positivity was infectious and something her daughters strive for every day. Mary Lou had a number of health challenges in recent years, but she faced them all with courage, determination and her strong Christian faith. She was loved by many and will be missed. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, brother Sam Kilby, sister-in-law Roberta Kilby, father- and mother-in-law Earl and Erma Tucker, brother-in-law Earl Ray Tucker and sister-in-law Nancy Travis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital, St. Jude Hospital, or the Clopton Alumni Association.

Mary Lou Tucker

June 1, 1946 - September 16, 2025