Mary Lou Graves, a cherished soul born on December 27, 1945, in Olive, TX, departed this world on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, in Denton, TX. She lived a life full of warmth, compassion, and independence, leaving behind a legacy that will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Mary Lou dedicated many years of her professional life to the plastic industry, culminating her career at the Anderson Company in Sanger, TX, where she earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Her determination and resilience were evident not only in her work but also in her everyday life; she proudly supported herself from the time she graduated from Denton High School until her retirement.

Education played a pivotal role in shaping Mary Lou's life. She attended Denton Schools from the age of 13, where she was inspired by teachers who encouraged her to strive for success. Her firm convictions and independent spirit were hallmarks of her personality, often accompanied by a touch of stubbornness when it came to accepting help from others. Mary Lou found great solace in her faith, seeking comfort in her Bible and the teachings it contained.

Mary Lou's passions extended beyond her work and faith; she embraced life with a joy that was palpable. She delighted in creating sweet gifts of fudge with pecans during the holiday season, a labor of love she found pleasure in after gathering pecans from the trees in her area. Her heart was large and welcoming, especially towards animals. Known for adopting up to six dogs at a time, her compassionate nature extended to all living beings around her.

A proud supporter of veterans, Mary Lou exhibited a deep sense of patriotism that was reflected in her habit of voting in every election. Her commitment to ensuring that children had a joyous Christmas, filled with gifts and treats, showcased her generous spirit and her love for nurturing the younger generation.

In her humble lifestyle, Mary Lou thrived, choosing to live in an RV with her beloved pets, which included her Yorkie and cherished cockatiel bird. She was an avid gardener, taking great pride in tending to her beautiful roses and irises, especially her beloved Kennedy rose. In her downtime, Mary Lou enjoyed watching "Walker, Texas Ranger," and frequently gathered VHS and DVDs from local thrift stores as a testament to her simple yet fulfilling lifestyle. She also collected angel figurines, gifting them to those she felt needed a guardian angel in their lives.

Mary Lou is survived by her brother, Ernie Graves, and her beloved pet Yorkie, Sandy. She will be deeply missed by her neighbors on Westway and at the RV Ranch on 380, as well as the friends she cultivated at Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Ponder, TX.

Those who left too soon include her mother, Lonnie Bob Graves; father, Marshall E Graves; and brother, Walter Graves. Together in spirit, they embrace Mary Lou with warmth and love as she begins her next journey.

A graveside service to celebrate Mary Lou’s life will take place on January 5, 2026, at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, TX. As we gather to pay our respects and share cherished memories, we will honor a woman whose life was a testament to joy, resilience, and the profound impact one person can have on others. Mary Lou will forever remain in our hearts and memories, a guiding spirit to all who had the privilege of knowing her.