Mary Louise "Lou" Vye

Mt. Morris, IL: Mary Louis Vye, Age 86, died December 23, 2012 in her home. Lou was born December 1, 1926 in Madison, WI, the daughter of Fuller O. & Ina F. (Claiborne) Griffith Jr. She graduated from Carthage Mo High School Class of 1944; she also graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.A. in Education. Lou taught 4th grade in Forreston, IL. Lou married John "Jack" on August 19, 1947 in Madison, WI. Lou was an avid gardener who preserved and shared her harvest. Following Jack's retirement, they attended and exhibited at major antique shows on the east side of the Mississippi River. She enjoyed sewing and collected antique sewing items, quilting, and making beaded jewelry. Lou loved reading and birding. Lou is survived by her husband of 65 years: John "Jack" Vye, Mt. Morris, IL; Son: John (Gail) Vye Jr., Rockford, IL; Daughters: Kimberly Vye, Polo, IL; and Heather (Kurt) Reding, Wichita, KS. 2 Grandchildren: Meghan (Mark) Frischenmeyer, Carthage, MO; Andrew "Drew" (Celisa) Reding, Clay Center, KS; Step-Grandchild: Mary Sutton, Rockford, IL. 3 Great-Grandchildren: Alyssa, Claire, and Jeremiah Frischenmeyer, Carthage, MO. Special Pet Friend: Aytoo. Lou is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Fuller O. Griffith III. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Sand Bluff Bird Observatory and/or The Nature Conservancy.