Born in Cullman, AL May 28, 1942 to Mildred Crawford Rasco and Bertis Calvin Rasco, Mary Lou married Donald Phillip Schoene in 1963. She is survived by her daughter Melissa, brother Bertis, dear friend and cousin Mary Penn, dear friend Shirley Scrivner, and many other friends and relatives who will miss her immensely. Mary Lou retired to Ellijay, GA in 2008 and died peacefully there at the age of 69, with her daughter by her side on May 2, 2012.

Those who knew her know that she had a vibrant spirit, was kind to everyone (people and animals), never judged anyone, and lived life the way she wanted to up until the very end.

Condolences may be sent to 140 Spring Lake Drive, Ellijay, GA 30536. To honor her request, no formal service will be held. To celebrate Mary Lou’s life there will be a gathering in New Orleans, her favorite city, over the weekend of May 26-27 as she would have turned 70 years old on May 28.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a random act of kindness for someone with two legs or four. Your thoughtful effort to cheer someone up, brighten someone’s day or just make someone else smile would be greatly appreciated by her as she did this for so many so often. Contributions may also be sent to the charity of your choice, a local animal shelter, or Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association (GAHA).

Online condolences may be made at www.bernhardtfh.com