Mary Lou Rathmann Scroggins, 81, passed from this life Friday, July 24, surrounded by family. She fought a nine year battle with Alzheimer’s and, following the death of her husband, spent her remaining days under the care of her children and the staff of Maranatha Village. Born October 8, 1927, near Freistatt, Missouri, to Reba Jewell (Lundy) and John W. Rathmann, she grew up on family farms near Freistatt and Hoberg during the depression. Her father’s family came to America from Germany around 1918, and Mary Lou was always proud of her heritage. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School and then in her 20s, met a dashing serviceman, nicknamed “J.R.,” who had served in World War II. She and Clarence “J.R.” Scroggins were married in Mt. Vernon on January 18, 1947. Early married years were spent near Mt. Vernon, where J.R. worked as a mechanic, and they welcomed two children, Linda and Bill. The family spent several years in Ontario, California, where J.R. worked for GM and a third child, John, was born. They returned to Mt. Vernon, Mo., where J.R. owned a service station and Mary Lou was predominantly a stay-at-home mom. Following Linda and Bill’s graduations from high school, the family moved to Springfield, where Mary Lou and J.R. spent the remainder of their years. Her passions, next to family, included gardening, growing flowers, reading, helping others, and cooking. Mary Lou loved to bake and upon J.R.’s retirement worked as a pastry cook for Springfield Public Schools for eight years. Around that time, J.R. developed Guillain-Barre, and Mary Lou devoted herself to his care and, unfortunately, as he recovered and was able to care for himself, her descent into Alzheimer’s began. Even through her confusion, she enjoyed attending dances with her husband and children at area senior citizens’ centers. That community of seniors surrounded them with love and attention that continued until their deaths. The last year was especially challenging for Mary Lou, with the loss of her husband necessitating her move to Maranatha. But there, she was enveloped in one of the most loving atmospheres imaginable. It was only through the care and attention provided by the staff and Dr. Randall Halley that everyone was able to cope. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Reba Lundy Rathmann; a brother, Kenneth; her husband J.R.; and her faithful dog Rambo. She is survived by a daughter, Linda Buff and husband, Mike of Springfield; son Bill and wife, Tina of Vacaville, California; a son, John of Springfield, Missouri; granddaughters, Jennifer Hall and husband, Wayne of Coleville, California, and Malinda Taylor and husband, Bill of Nixa, Missouri; grandson Bryan Buff and wife, Emily of Springfield; and grandson James and granddaughter Brittany of Vacaville, California. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Rebekah and T.J. of Springfield, Missouri, and Cade and Brennen of Coleville, California; and a host of wonderful friends. Memorial services will be Wednesday, July 29, at 1 p.m., in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with visitation beginning at 12 p.m. Interment will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009 next to her beloved J.R. in Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can go to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home at 3506 N. National.