Mary Lou Andres

Mary Lou (Pierce) Andres, age 77, of Gowen formerly of Ionia and Belding, passed away at home on July 4, 2022, following a long illness, surrounded by those who loved and cared for her.

Mary Lou was born April 9, 1945, at Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids, daughter of Allen Glenn Pierce and A. Lucille (Elvert) Pierce, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Ionia Public Schools and continued her education at Western Michigan University where she majored in speech pathology and minored in Elementary Education. She was employed by the Ionia Public School system and the Belding School system, the majority of her time teaching at Orchard Hills Elementary School in Belding, retiring in 1990. Mary Lou was active in the teacher’s sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma. She assisted in variety show productions, outreach reading programs during reading month, and many other activities. Most recently, she co-led the Parkinson’s support group in the Greenville area.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward and Lulu Mary Elvert and Glenn and Ada Blanche Pierce, her husband, Rodney Andres, and her son, Adam Andres.

Mary is survived by her dear friend and companion, Mark Nielsen of Gowen; her grandsons, Evan and Aidan Andres, a step-grandson, David Burch; a sister, Carol (Bill) Pierce- Burr, a nephew, Tommy (Susan) Pilbeam and great nephew, Jackson, all of Tennessee; a daughter-in-law, Tracie Andres; Mark’s children Erica (Bill) Clayton and Chris (Sarah) Nielsen; their children, Emily and Dylan Clayton and Lillian and Jack Nielsen.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Susan Miller, Amy Perez and Rebecca Rodriguez for their excellent care and love shown to Mary Lou.

The family will greet visitors at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan on,
Sunday, August 21, from 1:00 P.m., until the time of Service, which will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Than Johnson, Officiant. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy, are welcomed to consider a donation in Mary Lou’s name to: Rock Steady Boxing, Attn: Amy Hoyer, 6956 Spring Tree Lane SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548 or Life Beyond Barriers Rehabilitation Group, Attn: Racheal Billingsley, 521 East Division St, Rickford, Michigan 49341. For additional information, please contact the funeral home at (616) 794-1300.