GREENFIELD, IN
Mary Lou (Lamme) McConnell Miller Trees, lived 100 years before passing into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, as her loving family stood by her side. Mary Lou was born on May 11, 1924, in Holmes, KY, to George Derias and Ollie Mae (Land) Lamme. She attended John Herron School of Art and Design Institute in Indianapolis.
Mary Lou accomplished much over her 100 years of life. Firstly, she was a devoted mother, raising 5 children. With a bustling home of 5 children, she was able to see them grow, excel, and become the individuals they are today, many providing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Secondly, Mary Lou was a devote Christian. She worshipped and praised the Lord at all avenues throughout her life. Over her later years, she attended Faith Lutheran Church in Greenfield. There, she volunteered as the ‘computer lady’ for the pre-school classes, helped establish the church vegetable garden along with a good friend, Phyllis Kingen, made banners, took on an enormous task of creating and maintaining the directory, and participated in the Mary Martha Women’s Club. She also attended a Presbyterian church in Indianapolis for many years serving on the Mayer Chapel REC Center board. Thirdly, Mary Lou valued life itself. She adapted to many changes society put forth, she valued networking with friends and neighbors, she loved to farm and can the growth from the vegetables, flower garden, camp, and draw, paint, and be overly artistic. Mary Lou studied art before leaving her passion to take care of her ailing mother. But thankfully Mary Lou did not walk away from her passion, because she worked at Naval Avionics as an artist, illustrated parts manuals while serving in WWII war efforts, and worked at the Indianapolis Star as an advertising artist, before retiring in 1990. As her grandchildren were old enough to hold a pencil, she was right there guiding them into young artists. Mary Lou cherished being a member of the Hancock County Gourd Society as well as the County Historical Society. Mary Lou also worked for Western Electric on the assembly lines as well as for Brookside working with fan blades. Indeed, over Mary Lou’s life of 100 years, she has seen much, created much, and celebrated much. She has been a beacon of light to many and may all cherish that light, along with Mary Lou’s wisdom and love.
Mary Lou is survived by her loving children: Mary Jo McConnell, Andy (Malinda) McConnell, Deborah (Gary) Truitt, Bill (Michelle) McConnell, and Jim (Lisa) McConnell; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; and 3 nieces.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Lamme; mother, Ollie Wolfla; father of her children, Robert I. McConnell; second husband, James Miller; third husband, Harry J. Trees; sister, Georgie Scruggs; and brother, Joe Warner.
Visitation will be on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield, IN. An additional visitation will be held the following day, Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 200 West McKenzie Road, Greenfield, with the service immediately following, officiated by Reverend William Daniel O’Connor. Entombment will take place in Washington Park East Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Lutheran Pre-School, in care of the church. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com.
