SHOEMAKER, Mary Lou

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Friday, February 25, 2007 Mary Lou Shoemaker, age 94, died February 11, 2007 at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Her passing was very peaceful and her loving daughter, Donna, was at her side. Mary Lou was born in Mountain Home, Ark., on October 2, 1912, to Theo Doshia Gist Sinor and Miles Sinor. She is the last surviving of seven children. Mary Lou married William R. Shoemaker in 1938, and they traveled extensively throughout his naval career. They finally retired in San Diego, Calif., only to start new careers after they both graduated from San Diego State College. After Mary Lou retired as an elementary school teacher in 1974, they moved to Rogue River, Ore. and then to Prescott, Ariz. in 1984. Mary Lou was active in her church, the Mountain Artist Guild, and the Adult Center of Prescott. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, oil painting, watercolor painting, and china painting. Mary Lou was a prolific artist and taught classes in oil, watercolor and china painting at the Adult Center of Prescott for 14 years. She was the proudest of her children and was a wonderful and loving mother. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, William Shoemaker, in 1999. She is survived by her dear friend, Gene Hammond; her daughter Donna Tom Garrett; son, Joe Gwen Caskey; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren. A celebration of her life will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, February 16 at the United Methodists Church, 505 W. Gurley St., Prescott, Ariz. Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Information provided by survivors.