Per Mary Lou’s wishes, cremation rites will take place. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bangor Friends Cemetery.

Mary Lou was born on June 16, 1931, in Marshalltown, the daughter of John Bascom and Elizabeth R. (Shank) Miller. She graduated from LaMoille High School in 1948 and business college in Marshalltown.

On September 5, 1954, Mary Lou was united in marriage with Dr. Thomas W. Speas. They built a beautiful life together in Marshalltown, where they raised five children. Mary Lou worked alongside her husband at Speas Animal Hospital; She kept up on all the office and bookwork, sometimes even putting the kids to work. Mary Lou was a busy woman keeping up with the children and business, but still managed to maintain a beautiful flower garden and raise a vegetable garden.

Mary Lou was blessed to be living at home at age 92, just one mile from the home she was born in.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents, John Bascom and Elizabeth R. Miller; her husband, Tom in 2016; her brothers, John and Edward Miller; sister, Betty Arlene Weeden. She is survived by children, Steven Speas of Taos, NM, Mike (Laurel) Speas of Port Washington, WI, Katherine Speas – Sikora (Andy Sikora) of Colorado Springs, CO, Kindera Severidt of Jacksonville, FL and Mark (Jodie) Speas of Big Rapids, MI; 11 grandchildren; and nine great – grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa River Hospice.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave online condolences, visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.