First Name of deceased: Mary Lou
Last Name of deceased: Rider
Date of Birth: 22 Dec 1928
Date of Death: 5 Mar 2020
Town of Death: Mechanicsburg
County of Death: Cumberland County
State of Death: Pennsylvania
Country of Death: USA
Mary Lou (Slonaker) Rider left this world for a better one on March 5, 2020. Born and raised in New Kingstown, she is a graduate of Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School, and after marrying Merle Rider in September 1949, established a home in Mechanicsburg where she lived her life. Mary Lou was the second daughter of Miriam and Jerry Slonaker. Preceding her in death were her parents, and sister Jane, daughter Robbie Rider, husband Merle, and many friends.
Mary Lou was a member of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, their Band of Hope Sunday School Class, and Trio Chapter #544, Order of Eastern Star. She had worked at the former Miller’s Orchard, Seidle Memorial Hospital, Icelandic Seafood Company, and retired from her favorite job at the First Bank and Trust Company, Mechanicsburg. She enjoyed a post retirement, part-time job at Asma Gifts and the friendship borne from that.
In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, supporting her daughters in their activities, especially those associated with Rainbow for Girls and Mechanicsburg Drill Team, was an active volunteer in her church and with Meals on Wheels. She was a fiercely competitive card player, created many beautiful pieces of embroidery, enjoyed word puzzles, Jeopardy and watching sports, especially PSU football and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
She leaves her memories to her daughters Cindy (Jim) Duck, Barb (Steve) Kline, Allyson (Chuck) Roberts, and Holly (Dick) Laufer. Mary Lou was perhaps most proud of her grandchildren Michael (Kim), Patrick (Kelly), Nathan (Kristin), and Ryan (Denise) Duck; Jared (Jennifer) and Clark (Stefani) Eichelberger; Tyler (Kristen) Roberts, and Amanda (Allen) Roberts Gillilan, in addition to 13 great-grandchildren. While scattered throughout the north east and southern states, all made time to visit and talk with Grandma on a regular basis and included her in their daily lives.
Mary Lou has been left in the care of Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg. Services will include a viewing at the funeral home on Sunday, March 8th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. A visitation will be held at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church on Monday, March 9th at 1:00 PM with funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. She will be interred beside her husband and daughter at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, Piano Fund, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.