Mary Lou Peters' Obituary
Peters, Mary Lou, age 89, of Miamisburg and formerly of Delaware and Centerville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.
Mary Lou graduated from Albany High School before pursuing her calling in ministry. At the age of 63, she received her Bachelor of Divinity from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Continuing her theological studies, she later earned her Master of Divinity in 1998 and her Doctorate of Divinity in Ministry in 1999 from Antioch Seminary in Georgia. For 45 years, Mary Lou and her husband faithfully served as missionaries with Ethnos360, including time serving in Colombia, South America. She dedicated her life to sharing the Gospel and encouraging others in their faith. Her ministry was marked by compassion, devotion, and a deep commitment to serving the Lord and caring for people. She lived a life full of surrender to her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Delaware Bible Church and Patterson Park Church in Beavercreek. One of Mary Lou’s favorite scriptures was Philippians 3:10, a verse that reflected her lifelong desire to know Christ more deeply.
Mary Lou was a classy, faithful, and deeply devoted woman who loved unconditionally and was cherished by all who knew her. She was a wonderful baker who delighted in making pies, carrot cake, and buckeyes, often teaching her grandchildren how to bake pies alongside her in the kitchen. She also enjoyed flower gardening, especially English garden flowers. Earlier in life, Mary Lou enjoyed crafts and later developed a special card ministry, sending thoughtful encouragement cards to friends and loved ones to brighten their days. She will be remembered as a true encourager. Mary Lou also had a gift for making the holidays especially meaningful for her family.
Her greatest joy in life was her family, to whom she leaves a legacy of love and faithfulness. She was incredibly proud of her husband, her children, whom she lovingly called “her babies”, and her grandchildren, affectionately known as “her grandbabies.” Mary Lou also enjoyed collecting teacups. Just last year, her daughter hosted a special tea party for all her granddaughters, creating a joyful family reunion that will be treasured for years to come.
Mary Lou and her beloved husband shared a beautiful love story that began while they were both working at General Motors after Leroy returned home from military service. Because Mary Lou worked on the loud lock line, Leroy held up a sign that read, “Will you date me?”, a moment that began their 67 years of marriage together.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alta Wray; her two brothers, Bob Wray and Randy Wray; and her two sisters, Jan Watterson and Doris Crothers. She is survived by her spouse of 67 years, Leroy Peters; her daughter, Lisa (Robert) Custer; her two sons, Bradley (Cheryl) Peters and Jay (Dana) Peters; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her four brothers, Jackie (Joyce) Wray, Fred (Jaynie) Wray, Bill Wray, and Roy (Waleska) Wray; her two sisters, Judy Loudermilt and Karen (D.L.) Ellyson, and many extended family members and dear friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12 pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Patterson Park Church in Beavercreek. Pastor Joe Godwin will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 am to 12 pm on Wednesday, April 22, at the church. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her mission at Ethnos360 (Leroy and Mary Lou Peters - Ethnos360). Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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