Mary Lou Wright

Mary Lou Wright (nee Jennings), age 90, of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed peacefully into her heavenly home on Thursday, January 11, 2024, after a long period of declining health. Mary Lou was born to James William Jennings and Harriet Jennings (nee Ruhler) on April 13, 1933, in New London, Connecticut. Mary Lou was the youngest of 8 siblings. She was married three times and widowed twice. She was preceded in death by her parents, her seven siblings, her husband Glenn Wright, and her husband Robert Bruce, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her sons Charles Crocetti, Jr., and Steven Crocetti as well as by her stepchildren Dana Wright, John Bruce, and Kathryn Mader (nee Bruce). She is survived by her daughters Karen Barber (Keith) and Tammy Williams (Belton), her son Robert Bruce, Jr. (Geri), and daughters-in-law Tina Gruver and Julie Bingham. She is also survived by her stepchildren Eleanor Bruce, Dorothy Bruce, David Wright (Marietta), and Stephen Wright (Peggy). Mary Lou leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren from these families who will all miss her dearly.

Mary Lou loved flowers and was well known for her green thumb. Wherever she lived, she had beautiful plants, including the most beautiful peonies and roses. She loved to tend her plants and drink her morning coffee, whether indoors or out. She was an exceptional cook and baker, and loved to try new recipes. She served as the cook for Africa Inland Mission for four years in Pearl River, New York, as well as for various summer camps in New Hampshire throughout the years. She also operated her own cake decorating business in New Hampshire. Over the years she prided herself on many crafty and handmade gifts for loved ones.

She lived much of her adult life in New Hampshire and moved from Marlborough, New Hampshire, to West Carrollton, Ohio, to be closer to family in May, 2009. In New Hampshire, Mary Lou was a member of the Troy Baptist Church for many years. Later, she became a member of the Grace Baptist Church in West Carrollton, Ohio. She had a way with children and she quite enjoyed serving as a Sunday School teacher at both of her church homes while she could.

She named all of her cars. She was imaginative and adventurous. She was a spitfire. She could hold a grudge better than the best of them. She kept open trays of French vanilla coffee grounds in the back of her car for the scent. She had her own Nintendo and played even when the grands were not visiting. Her favorite game to play was Wheel of Fortune. She was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan and she loved watching country line dancing on TV. Many will remember and miss her dearly.