Mary Lou Paris, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, and long time resident of Carroll County, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 93, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri. She was born the daughter of Jesse B. and Mildred (Hudson) Key on December 28, 1932, in Coloma, Missouri. Mary Lou lived a life dedicated to family, community, and nature's beauty.

A graduate of Tina High School, Mary Lou worked at Eddy Bo Smith's store following her high school years before dedicating her life to being a homemaker and farmer. She was united in marriage to Howard E. Paris on April 22, 1957 at the home of Pastor Scholle in Bogard, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 13, 2013.

Her ties in the community were enriched by her membership at Coloma Baptist Church and her participation in the Grace Extension Club. Known for her love of gardening, Mary Lou tended to her eclectic flower gardens, particularly her Irises and Peonies, with great care. Her dedication to her plants was matched by her clever ingenuity, often placing them in wagons to protect them from storms.

Mary Lou's life was filled with warmth and generosity. She was known to be a reliable source for handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, and Burger King coupons. Mary Lou loved to sew pillows for all who knew her. She was a fan of KU basketball, she found great joy in a game of Chinese Checkers and the companionship of her cherished dog, Bam Bam.

Mary Lou leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by her devoted children, a son Kevin Paris and his wife Michele of Hale, Missouri, and a daughter Karen Brownell of Chillicothe, Missouri. Her family was her greatest treasure, as were her grandchildren, Marcie (Shawn) Casey of Olathe, Kansas, Mitchell (Amy) McCauslin of Houston, Texas, and Logan (Allegra) Paris of Kansas City, Missouri. Also celebrating her legacy are her six cherished great-grandchildren: Braydon Casey, Keegan (Payton) Casey, Cora and Chloe McCauslin, and Marli and Micah Paris, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Howard E. Paris. She was also preceded by her brothers William Key Sr. and Merle Key, her sister Veva Jean O'Neal, her granddaughter Rachel McCauslin, her nephew William Key Jr., and her brother-in-law Delmer O’Neal.

A funeral service will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A visitation is scheduled at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friends may sign the register book at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at the Hale Cemetery, Hale, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Coloma Baptist Church and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.