Mary Lou Dietz, 92, of Center Point, Indiana, passed away at Shakamak Good Samaritan Nursing Home, on November 24, 2020, following a short illness. Mary Lou had been blessed with good health and was able to live at home until her recent illness. She even enjoyed mowing her own lawn this past fall.
Mary Lou was born on July 8, 1928, in Clay County, Indiana, the daughter of Ulysses and Ruth (Stevenson) Knust. She began attending Van Cleve School House at 5 years old. She graduated from Cory High School with the class of 1945 at the age of 17. Mary Lou attended Indiana State Teacher’s College and earned a degree in Elementary Education. She married Max Dietz on February 19, 1948. Together they farmed in the Clay County area for their entire lives. Mary Lou also worked as the “face of the front gate” at Dietz Lake for many years.
Mary Lou enjoyed spending time with her family. She and Max shared a passion for farming and worked together on the family farm for many years. She enjoyed serving in various community activities. Mary Lou will be remembered for her Angel Food Cakes and homemade noodles that she made for dinners and family get-togethers. She was a devoted member of the Center Point United Methodist Church. She was also an active member of the Farm Bureau serving as a Women’s Leader for several years. She was recently honored for 50 years of membership within the organization.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ulysses and Ruth Knust, her husband Max Dietz, a daughter in infancy Susan Dietz, siblings: Muriel Knust, Renis Knust, Helen Knust Bedwell, Kenny Knust, Lois Knust Oglesby, Max Knust, and Jack Knust.
Survivors include her children: Diane Taber and husband Henry of Ames, Iowa, Greg Dietz and wife Kathryn of Lafayette, Indiana, Lynn Stoelting and husband Steve of Center Point, and Jennifer Robison and husband Ted of Newburgh, Indiana; grandchildren: Ryan Taber (Rachel), Todd Taber (Katie), Brett Taber (Kate), Jason Dietz (Janet), Marc Dietz (Jillian), Nathan Stoelting (Bethany), Sara Stallcop (Bret), Joshua Stoelting (Addie), Claire Stevenson (Kyle), Clay Robison (Allison), and Katie Sutton (Jeremy); great-grandchildren: Aidan Taber, Holden Taber, Isaac Dietz, Avery Dietz, Victoria Dietz, Miles Dietz, Rosalie Dietz, Sophie Stallcop, Logan Stoelting, Brenna Stallcop, Ellie Stoelting, Shay Stallcop, Mazie Stoelting, Hadley Stoelting, Max Stoelting, Zeke Stevenson, Joel Stevenson, and Lexi Robison; sister-in-law Winnie Knust; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.
Mary Lou was happy to learn that 2 more great-grandchildren will be added early summer for a total of 20 great-grandchildren.
Private graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center Point United Methodist Church, 200 South Cherry Street, Center Point, Indiana 47840.
Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in her memory.