Sept. 22, 1931 — Jan. 19, 2025
Proud mom and devoted wife, Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Viola Carlson, 93, passed away in hospice Jan. 19 in Medford. She was known for her compassionate nature, giving spirit, dry sense of humor, quiet leadership and love for her family.
Mary Lou was born on Sept. 22, 1931, in Crescent City, California. After living in several cities in California, Mary Lou’s family eventually landed in Crescent City, where she graduated from Del Norte High School in 1949.
She attended Southern Oregon University before settling into a job at First National Bank, where she remained for a number of years. During her time at the bank, Mary Lou met the love of her life, Vernon Carlson, and they were married on July 3, 1955. They chose Ashland as their home and that is where they would raise their family.
Mary Lou was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority for many years; she served the group in multiple capacities and made lifelong friends.
She was an avid gardener and a voracious reader. Spending time outdoors hunting and fishing were among her favorite activities. She was a lover of sudoku and word puzzles of any kind. Another beloved hobby was shopping for and collecting the antique glassware that filled her home.
Mary Lou never missed a chance to attend the activities of her children and grandchildren throughout their lives. She even continued to attend sporting events as an Ashland High School booster long after her children graduated. She and Vern looked forward to trips to Reno and Oregon casinos. They enjoyed pinochle and cribbage; even entering tournaments at times. Later in life, they moved to Medford.
Mary Lou is survived by her children Cheryl Matthews of Beaverton, Oregon, Randall Carlson (Karla) of Ashland and Robert Carlson (Tina) of Medford; and her sister Joan Keeney (LeRoy). She is also survived by five grandchildren: Amanda Nelson (Josh), Alysse Carlson (Pietra), Sarah Faircloth (Jake), Evan Carlson (Holli), Sunshine Heartfern; and four great-grandchildren: Weston, Rylei, Jackson and Charlotte. Vernon Carlson, her husband of 64 years, parents Joseph Woods and Grace Woods (Trott), and her sister Sally Andrews (Woods) preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ACCESS (Medford), Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Ashland High School Booster Club.
A celebration of life will be held this spring when the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing.
“Grief is very sneaky. A sound. A scent. A song. A smile becomes tears.” — Unknown
Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
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