Mary Lou Hoffman May transitioned into the next life embraced by those she loved on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. She was born May 23, 1922 in Greencastle, Indiana. Growing up on the family farm, Mary Lou developed a love of nature that she wove into her daily life and later shared with her family. She graduated from Greencastle High School in 1940 and attended DePauw University and Whitworth College for Women in Brookhaven, Mississippi as a music major. It was there that she met A.J. May and began their 71-year love story. Mary Lou observed her God in life's details. Her artist's eye was apparent in everything she touched. She carried song and dance in her heart, always sharing treasured memories with A.J. and their four children Larry (Betsy), Susan, Scott (Kanani), and Betsy (Julio); grandchildren Chad (Sue), Amy (Ryan), Jesse, Allison (Jeremy), Maya, Quena and Israel; and great grandchildren Keegan, Kirsten, Haley, Cole, Caleb, Olivia and Sophia. Mary Lou lived her legacy with these words, "Memories, memories, memories. God's greatest gift. I say my prayers of thanks everyday." She embodied the beauty of nature and followed her artistic instincts, stopping only for coffee and antiques along the way. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her infant son Richard Alfred (1945), her parents Robert and Beulah Hoffman, and her younger siblings Eileen, Bob, Dick and (Betty). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Grinnell. Condolences and memorial contributions may be directed to the Mary Lou May Memorial fund in care of the Smith Funeral Home, 1103 Broad St., P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112 or www.smithfh.com.