Former media center director dies
CHENOA – Former United Media Resource Center director Mary Lou Scott, who oversaw the lending library of the former Central Illinois Conference and then the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, died Nov. 9 at the age of 77.
Funeral services were held Nov. 12 at First UMC in Normal with Rev. Dale Beck officiating. Burial was in Dawson Cemetery in Ellsworth.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Meadows Mennonite Nursing Home Fund Alzheimers/ Dementia Unit, 24588 Church St. Chenoa, IL 61726 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to daughter Mary Scott-Ditchen, 312 Broadway, Hudson, IL 61748.
Born in Leroy Nov. 6, 1930, she was the daughter of Tom and Viola Gregg Whitehouse. She married Bryan “Bill” Scott and he preceded her in death.
Survivors include seven daughters, Gloria (Bruce) Lauher, Linda (Wayne) Henry, Patty McKinley, Peggy (Ron) Naas, Mary (Andy) Scott Ditchen, Rose (Dave) Meade and Ginger (Scott) Erlinder; a sister, Donna (Bob) Morfield; and three brothers, Lyle (Kathy) Whitehouse, Bruce (Joyce) Whitehouse, and Donald (Donna) Whitehouse; 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Her husband, parents, a sister and three brothers preceded her in death.
Scott graduated from Leroy High School and attended St. Joseph Nursing School prior to her marriage. In the late 1960’s, Scott was secretary at Normal First UMC and later became the congregation’s Director of Christian Education. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications from Illinois State University and a master of divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary. She was ordained a deacon in full connection in 1997 and began doctoral studies in 1999 prior to retiring from the United Media Resource Center in 2001.