PATTON, Mo. -- Mary Louise Whitener Conrad, 61, of Patton passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, after a valiant fight with cancer.

She was born Aug. 4, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Wendell "Jack" and Wilma J. Wallis Whitener. She married her high school sweetheart, Terry Conrad, on June 22, 1969.

Mary Lou grew up in Patton and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1972. She retired after being a kindergarten teacher, first grade teacher, and with Parents as Teachers at Meadow Heights Schools 30 years. She loved teaching but retired to spend time with her grandchildren.

Mary Lou had a love for life and the people around her that was extraordinary. Mary Lou was a member of Sedgewickville United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Terry; two sons, Justin Conrad, Christopher Conrad and wife Jessica and their children Chase David, Allie Jo and Bode Cole; a brother, John (Lois) Whitener; two aunts, Mary Wallis and Doris (John) O'Bannon; the Whitener cousins; sisters-in-law, Donna (David) Allen, Debbie Poindexter; a brother-in-law, Marty (Rhonda) Conrad; nieces; nephews; and many, many friends.

Pallbearers are Justin Conrad, Chris Conrad, Will Yount, Rick Strothman, Terry Allen, and Marty Conrad.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until time of service today at Sedgewickville United Methodist Church.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with the Rev. James Richardson and the Rev. Anthony Stewart officiating. Burial will be in Patton Cemetery.

Liley Funeral Home in Patton is in charge of arrangements.