Mary Lou Gardner James

Mary Lou Gardner James, 85, of Beech Grove, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015.

She was born Aug. 18, 1930 in Fairfield, Ohio, to Edwin W. Gardner and Thelma C. Frazier Gardner.

Mary Lou was a 1948 graduate of Reelsville High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Edwin Gardner and Russell Gardner; and her sisters, Thelma Jean Cox and Eloise Neier.

Surviving are her husband, William M. "Bill" James; a son, Melvin Bullerdick; a daughter, Marcia Tyler; two stepchildren, Chris James and Jennifer Scisney and husband Michael; a brother, William Gardner; and several grandchildren.

Mary Lou enjoyed planting flowers, watching hummingbirds, gardening, puzzles, reading books, cooking and genealogy.

Most of all she and Bill enjoyed their time together, dancing, Dixieland music, jazz festivals, cruises and trips to Brown County in the fall.

Mary Lou also enjoyed painting, volunteering at I.H.S., antique stores, walking and swimming.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 6 at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle, from 2-3:30 p.m., with a service starting at 3:30 p.m.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.