Dateline: Godfrey

Mary Louise Crain, 95, died at 6:10 a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Eunice Smith Home in Godfrey. She was born September 7, 1921 in Johnston City, IL. Her mother, Ottilia Hocholder was from Boonville, Indiana. Her father, Angelo G. Demetrulias was from Kalamata, Greece. As a child, Mary Louise attended the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Children's School in Normal, IL. She then graduated from University High School, Normal, IL. Mary Louise lived with George and Marie Cox (foster parents) for a number of years after moving to Alton in 1939. She was trained at Lakeview College of Commerce in Alton in 1939 and 1940. She then worked as a Brass Sales secretary for the Western Cartridge Company (now Olin Industries) in East Alton. Mary Louise and William V. Crain Sr. were married for 67 years and raised four sons. Her husband preceded her in death on May 2, 2009. Their son, Michael J. Crain, preceded them both in death in 1982, and son, Thomas G. Crain, passed away on November 17, 2014. Mary Louise was a life long bird watcher and enjoyed feeding/watching her backyard birds for decades. She also enjoyed swimming for over twenty years at Lewis and Clark College pool with the senior classes. She is survived by her sons, William V. (Ronda) Crain of Godfrey and Charles E. (Jeffrey Ward) Crain of Snoqualmie, Washington. She also leaves grandchildren, Heather and Eric Decker of Godfrey, Joy and Brandon Virgin of Livermore, CA, and her great-grandchildren, Brayden and Lauren Decker, and Ethan and Olivia Virgin. She also leaves two sisters-in-law, Mary F. Demetrulias of Cahokia and Joan Crain of Edwardsville as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Father Steve Pohlman will officiate. She will be cremated and her ashes, along with her husband's will be buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com