Mary Lou Gartshore, 86, of Taylorville, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

 

Mary Lou was born on November 20, 1938, in Springfield to Mary E (Pathel) and Rowley McMurray. She graduated from Taylorville High School (class of 1957) and worked for many years at Franklin Life Insurance Company in Springfield.  

 

Mary Lou was known for her love of music and dancing, her artistic abilities, her quick wit, and her storytelling skills. She enjoyed playing dominos and cards with her many friends. Her greatest joy was her family, who will miss her dearly.

 

She is survived by her husband, Bob Gartshore; her children Jeaneene Hughes, Springfield, Mike (Valerie) Gartshore, Stonington, and Rob (Debbie) Gartshore, Wheaton; her sons-in-law, Randy Sheley, Taylorville, and David Wells (Vicky Shulte), Tovey; brother David (Becky) McMurray, Duluth, GA; and her 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Susan Wells and Jeanette Sheley, her brother Jerry McMurray, and her parents.

 

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday May 27, 2025, at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. A funeral service will begin at 7pm. Private interment will be held at a later date in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

 

Memorial donations can be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (https://netrf.org/get-involved/give-now/) or the Hydrocephalus Association (https://www.hydroassoc.org/give/).