- Date Of Birth: May 6, 1947
- Date Of Death: December 28, 2020
- State: Indiana
MaryLou (Reifel) Ott was born on May 6, 1947, which was the primary election day in Logansport, IN.
She was the first child of Robert Henry Reifel and Mary Alice (Fisher) Reifel. Tragically, MaryLou suffered a severe hearing loss at a young age. Through lip-reading, electronic devices, perseverance, and hard work, she compensated for this handicap and became an exemplary student, ultimately graduating from Anderson High School and Ball State University with a Master’s Degree in Deaf and Special Education. She was dearly loved and respected by her students and fellow teachers, many of whom she advised and mentored. MaryLou taught in Pendleton, IPS, and the Indiana Deaf School. After retirement, she worked for the First Steps Program.
The last two years of her life were a struggle with blindness, depression, and breast cancer. Most of that time was lived in Edgewater Woods Nursing Home. In June 1970, MaryLou married Mike Ott. MaryLou was a wonderful wife and mother. She made time for her family and their activities. She was very active in Pendleton Christian and Markleville North Churches and was a member of the Pendleton’s Lions Club. She enjoyed reading, fishing, and playing cards. She especially liked mystery stories and chocolate.
She is survived by her loving husband, Mike; daughter, Heather (Brian) and their children, Owen and Olivia; son, Ryan (Jama) and their children, Keira and Gabby; and her sister, Ann. She will also be missed by her nephew, Randy; niece, Heidi, and their respective families. Many people have helped us in the past few years, but we want to recognize by name, Sherry Minton, Melody Hunt, Dana Ilyas, Linda Reynolds, Diane Hammel, Patricia McLomas, and a host of wonderful caregivers.
By the grace of God and because of her steadfast belief in God, we believe that MaryLou has gone on to heaven where she will live eternally with many family and friends who arrived before her. Glory be to God!
