Mary Lou Spitler's Obituary
SPITLER, MARY LOU NEELY age 81, passed away in Dallas, Texas on February 1, 2013 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born Mary Lou Neely at El Paso Masonic Hospital on October 5, 1931, she grew up on the family ranch near Sierra Blanca, Texas on the Mexican border, alongside three generations of Neely’s. Without electricity, telephones or running water, she naturally learned the value of hard work and cooperation. Mary Lou attended a one room schoolhouse for seven years, until she entered El Paso Junior High in 1943 and graduated from El Paso High in 1948. She was closest to her grandmother Mary, who sometimes spoiled her yet inspired many of her most deeply held convictions. She often recalled her grandmother saying, “Always keep an open mind and continue to learn your whole life.” Mary Lou lived up to that. Mary Lou married Marion E. Spitler on January 26, 1951; they were married 61 years. They met while attending Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy [UTEP], where Marion studied geology and Mary Lou earned a B.A. in biology and chemistry in 1951. She raised her two sons amid several moves to New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and back to Texas, as Marion advanced his oil and gas career. While she loved being a mom, she sometimes wondered what it would have been like to use her pre-med degree. Mary Lou was at heart a creative woman who was frequently involved in craft projects. She was a talented southern cook whose recipes are still treasured by family and friends. Her enduring interest in genealogy led her to research her Irish/Scottish heritage back to the Revolutionary War. Mary Lou was an active member of the Dallas Geological and Geophysical Auxiliary. She also cherished the relationships cultivated in her Geobunda Garden Club. She and Marion traveled extensively with family to East Africa, China, Turkey, Ecuador (Galapagos Islands), Peru, Colombia, Egypt, Israel and several European nations. Her favorite destination was Switzerland. Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents, Tom H. and Alta Neely; and brother Joe Abb Neely. She is survived by her husband Marion Spitler of Dallas; brother Tom D. Neely and wife Winnie of Sierra Blanca, TX; son Jeff Spitler and wife Patricia of Durango, CO; son Greg Spitler of Durango, CO; two grandchildren, Hannah and Byron; and other family and friends. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Friday, February 8, 2013 at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 12:30 P.M. at Restland Wildwood Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas. Burial will follow the funeral at Restland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Hospice Plus, 3100 McKinnon St, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75201.
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