Obituary of Mary McLearen

Mary Louise Ross was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 2, 1929. She was the daughter of the late Fred Ross and the late Agnes (Wozniak) Ross. She married Raymond Herr and later married John McLearen. For twenty-five years Mary was employed at Michigan Bell as a telephone operator. She retired in 1980. Mary then went back to work and spent an additional twenty-five years employed by a hospital as an operator. Mary was an avid traveler. She enjoyed going on many cruises, and visiting Busch Gardens was another favorite place for her. Mary liked to stay active and she did so by square dancing, and was a member of the 1000 Trails Camping Club. Mary was a generous, took in strangers, and helped those less fortunate. She had a great sense of humor and was very level-headed willing to turn the other cheek when necessary. Mary enjoyed conversation and she liked having guests over for barbeques and going to parties. Mary Louise McLearen age 84 of Monroe passed away at 4:15am, Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the home of her son Tom. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. Her passing in addition to her parents, and her two husbands was preceded by two brothers: Jay and Fred "Fritz"; and two sisters: Loretta Koehnke and Delores "Bunny" Kaechle. To cherish her memory she leaves seven children: James Herr of Alabama, Susan (Ray) Conley of Newport, Thomas (Catherine) Herr of Monroe, Russell Herr of Lincoln Park, Edward (Rita) Herr of Alabama, Carolyn Conley of Whitmore Lake, Timothy (Marlene) Herr of Heartland; sixteen grandchildren: James, Lisa, Suzie (John) St. Germaine, Carrie, Trisha (Michael) Burton, Jamie, Justin (Mandy) Herr, Jessica, Eddie, Emily (Joshua Randolph), Lindsey, Gregory (Sarah), Rebecca, Sarah, Abby, Rachael (Benjamin "Blake" Jett); eleven great grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law: Karen Ross and Vickie Ross. Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, July 25, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, July 26, 2013 also at Merkle's with Father Robert Singelyn officiating. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock for burial. In lieu of flowers memorial are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.