Mary Lou Holdren, 87, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Wilmington Nursing & Rehabilitation Residence. Her husband, Willard “Blackie” Holdren Jr., preceded her in death May 12, 2004. They were married August 26, 1947. Mrs. Holdren was born January 9, 1931 in Washington Court House, Ohio, daughter of the late Delbert Secrets and Mattie Mae Inlow Secrets.
Mrs. Holdren assisted her husband in his various business ventures. She was an accomplished artist who created and sold tole paintings. She was well known for her Disney character Christmas decorations which numerous people traveled to her home to view. She was fundamental in establishing the Wilmington Home Spun Christmas and participated in the Clinton County Corn Festival for many years.
Mrs. Holdren is survived by two sons, William L. (Debra) Holdren of Centerville, Ohio and Joseph A. Holdren of Leesburg, Ohio; two daughters, Linda L. (Bob) Schaeffing of Wilmington, Ohio and Deborah S. (Ray) Sarkees of Wilmington, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Tracy (Tony) Anello, Natalie (Dan) Cutright, Jessica (Jim) Pichler, Kristiann (Scott) Chaffin, Seth Schaeffing, Justin Alan (Mandy) Holdren, Amanda Kay (Thurston) Curry, Jill Nicole Holdren, and Stacie (Paul) Moore; and 20 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, two brothers, Nelson Secrets and Robert Secrets, two sisters, Martha Taynor and Dora Shafer, and a grandson, William Joseph Schaeffing, are preceded in death.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio with Pastor Josh Dixon officiating. Burial will be Sugar Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45420.
For more information or to sign the registry of condolences visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.