Mary Lou Smith, (nee-Ross), of LaGrange for 60 years, transitioned from this world November 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Lansing B. Smith, son, Lansing B. Smith Jr. and daughter Pamela A. Smith. She is survived by son Brian R. Smith, sister, Nancy Winters and brother, Richard Ross.

Over her many years Mary Lou devoted herself to help others in many ways. She encouraged  many lives to flourish with her use of puppets to entertain and teach. She was known as the Puppet Lady, the Neighborhood Taxi, Mrs. Smith and Mom to all. Mary Lou received Volunteer of the Year for her work with Easters Seals. She was devoted to many. She served the LaGrange Global Methodist Church for 20 years volunteering and often cooking and was an active member of the church for over 50 years.

Mary Lou was born October 5, 1930 to Milo and Marie Ross in Chardon. After traveling much of Northeast Ohio the Ross family rooted in Lorain where Mary Lou graduated high school in 1948. She attended BGSU and worked as a nursery school teacher and dental assistant before marrying and starting a family. Mary Lou and her husband Lansing enjoyed each others company (married) for over 52 years.

The people she touched may forget what she said, but they will never forget how she made them feel. Important.

Celebration of Life for Mary Lou will be on December 6, 2025 at the LaGrange Global Methodist Church, located at 105 West Main Street, LaGrange from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a light lunch afterwards.

I love you.

Arrangements entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elyria.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com