Our beloved mother, Mary Lou Woollums peacefully passed away on September 21, 2026 at the age of 87. She was the true heart of our family, shaping our lives with her endless love, patience, and grace. Her home was always a sanctuary of warmth, laughter, and open arms for everyone she met.
She was born July 29, 1939 in Ottumwa, IA to Earl and Vera Johnston McCoy where she resided her entire life. She married Larry Woollums April 19, 1965, he preceded her in death December 26, 2025.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1957, she worked at Younkers and on the farm with her Dad; later becoming a homemaker, raising her four children. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. From school bus driver, to being the PTA president we joked she was at school more than we were. Growing up farming, being outside was her passion. She’d much rather be outside on a tractor with her Dad than in the kitchen learning to cook with her Mom. Later in life that tractor became her lawn mower; she would mow dirt just to be on it enjoying the outdoors. If you drove down Eddyville Rd during the summer, you’d see her sitting in “her little corner of the world” with a good romance novel soaking up the sun.
She is survived by her three children, Brad (Jayne) Peck of Ottumwa, Robin (Phil) Dionne of Oxford, MI and Wayne (Heidi) Woollums of Newton; grandchildren Brittni (Doug) Ummel, Drake Craver, Delaney Woollums, Ty Woollums and Glenn (Christina) Olinger; great grandchildren Daxton Ummel and Eleanor Olinger.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, Larry, and son, Dirk Peck.
A special thank you to the staff at Timber Ridge Assisted Living who filled this last chapter with care and compassion.
Her body has been cremated. A private graveside service and inurnment will be held at Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church 1901 West Second Street where she was a long time member.
