Mary Lou Holdridge, daughter of Walter and Lois (Wood) Gutsch, was born on December 20, 1928 in Rock Port, Missouri. Mary Lou passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah at the age of 88 years and 25 days.

Mary Lou grew up in Westboro were she attended elementary and middle schools. She graduated from Shenandoah High School. On April 30, 1947, she was united in marriage to Robert B. Holdridge at his aunt and uncle's home. They resided in Shenandoah.

Mary Lou and Bob owned and operated State Theater and Iowa Drive-In Theater. She was a librarian assistant for 33 years at the Shenandoah Public Library. She was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading and gardening.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Robert B. Holdridge, Sr. and her parents.

Mary Lou is survived by her son Robert B. Holdridge, Jr. of Shenandoah, granddaughter Mary Ann Thornton and husband Josh of Braddyville, three great grandchildren Ashley Ward and husband Seth of Essex, Courtney Ryan of Braddyville and Dakota Mattox of Braddyville, four great-great-grandchildren Jadealynn Ryan, Emberlee Ryan, Kyson Glidden and Maelie Ward and sister Patty Laur and husband George of Westboro, other family and friends

Memorial service will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah.

Burial of cremains will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.

Memorials may be directed to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Shenandoah Public Library.