Mary Lou Eakin King, 91, of Fredonia, passed away on April 23, 2021, due to complications of cancer.

She was born Oct. 3, 1929, to Herbert C. and Gladys C. Eakin.

Mary Lou graduated as valedictorian from Shenango High School in New Castle in 1947 and from Jameson School of Nursing in 1950.

She met Leland C. King while he was a patient at Jameson and married him on Aug. 17, 1951.

An only child, Mary Lou married into the King family with 10 brothers and sisters. She and Leland bought and worked Woodcrest Farmsin Fredonia.

Mary Lou was an operating room nurse at Greenville Hospital for 30 years.

After graduating with a bachelor of science degree from Saint Joseph's College of Standish, Maine, she taught at the Mercer County Career Center. Mary Lou was also a school nurse for the Reynolds School District.

The family attended Fredonia Presbyterian Church. Mary Lou served the Lord with passion and joy all of her life. She was active in the choir, taught Sunday school, served as a deacon and was active in the Presbyterian Women Association.

Mary Lou also served on the board of Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care for 25 years, the final five as president of the board.

After her husband established the Leland C. King Insurance Agency in Mercer, they began to travel, creating wonderful memories, especially in their trips across the United States.

They were also very active supporting their grandchildren in their various sports endeavors. Mary Lou was an avid quilter and gardener, and was famous for her home-cooked meals.

She carried enormous compassion, wisdom and courage. Mary Lou was a lover of animals, especially dogs.

Survivors are: a son, Herbert E. King and wife Beverly of Fredonia; and a daughter, Ruth E. King of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Valerie Flickinger and husband Jon of Hermitage; Jessica King of Buford, Ga.; Ian King and wife Jessica of Marietta, Ga.; Monica Emery and husband Cole of Hermitage; and Travis King and wife Valerie of Fredonia; great-grandchildren, Connor Flickinger, Alex Flickinger, Patrick Davis King and Owen King: and multiple nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Gladys Eakin; husband Leland C. King; and son, Earl D. King.