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Mary Lou Evans Obituary
June 12, 2025
Mary Lou Kantz Evans, born in Rock Creek, OH in 1944 to John Joseph Kantz, Jr. and Anne (Kurnik) Kantz Renney, passed away peacefully at her home in Clarkdale, AZ on June 12, 2025, at the age of 80.
Mary Lou lived a vibrant, joy-filled life, always ready with a smile and looking for a hearty laugh. A self-proclaimed "obsessed quilter" and lover of all things handmade, she poured her heart into sewing, fabrics, and crafts of every kind. Her creations were not just projects, they were works of art.
Her family moved to Tucson, AZ when she was 11, and she graduated from St. Joseph's Academy-Villa Carondelet High School in 1962. Mary Lou later moved to Flagstaff for college, eventually making it her home after brief stints back in Tucson and in California.
She spent more than 30 years working at Lowell Observatory, where her dedication left a lasting mark. In the late 1960s, while bartending at the Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, she met the love of her life, her husband Michael. After decades in Flagstaff, they retired to the Verde Valley in 2006 and remained together until Michael's passing in 2013.
Mary Lou will be remembered most for her boundless generosity, often given anonymously. She never missed an opportunity to help someone, leaving an indelible impact on countless lives. A devoted animal lover, her home was always filled with the warmth and companionship of beloved dogs and cats.
Insatiably curious and an avid storyteller, Mary Lou had a remarkable ability to connect with others. Beautiful inside and out, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mary Lou is survived by her sister, Joan Karah; her niece, Karimah Karah; and nephews, Tarik Karah, Jim Snabl, and Eric Snabl. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sylvia Snabl, and her husband, Michael O'Malley Evans.
A Celebration of Life will be held as an open house on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 100 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
In honor of Mary Lou's passion for quilting, please also consider attending the Covey of Quilts Quilt Show, hosted by the Quail Country Quilters Guild and sponsored in Mary Lou's name on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 9 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Spirit of Joy Church, 330 Scenic Dr, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Lou Evans
6 Entries
Suzanne W Fox Gatewood
August 18, 2025
I am so saddened to see this news. I have been away from Flagstaff for a long time, but I will always remember Mary Lou. I was going to school and working full time as a single parent. I would receive anonymous money orders in my mail every month for several months for $100. I found out it was her, quite by accident. I had lent her a tape to listen to and she gave it back to me with her comments. She misspelled my name in an unusual manner. The money orders were also mispelled the same way. She was an angel. I will never forget her generosity.
Condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Chris Winslow Hanson
August 5, 2025
When my mom introduced me to ML, my life was almost immediately richer. What a beautiful, curious, caring, delightful, generous person ML was, who enhanced our lives with her friendship.
Grace (White) Daly
August 3, 2025
As a child growing up at the observatory, I have many fond memories of Mary Lou. She always had a dish of candy on her work desk that I would help myself to. :) She was a very comfortable and kind presence.
Cindy Rell
July 31, 2025
Mary Lou, you will be missed more than you know. I was so lucky to have you in my life first when we were kids in Rock Creek, later when we reconnected when I visited you over the years in Flagstaff, and then when Peter and I moved to Sedona. God bless you.
Dottie Harkey
July 30, 2025
My dear friend "M-Lou", I am deeply saddened to read of your passing. You brought so much joy to so many through your beautiful stitchery and your ever present kindness and enthusiasm which you so generously shared with everyone. My life is so much richer because I knew you in Flagstaff! You are a blessing!!!
August Mitchell Colosimo
July 30, 2025
We miss you so very much, Mary Lou! As you liked to say, always with a laugh, that I was your "favorite goddaughter" because I was your only godchild. :) You were such a blessing in our lives and we are just so thankful for all the love you brought to us. ~ August, Karl, Collette and of course your actual favorite, Duke the golden retriever
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