Mary Lou Kudej, 70, of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. A memorial gathering will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Memorials may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice. Mary Lou was born on July 8, 1944, in Jasper County near Grinnell, Iowa to Vernie and Lillian Staton Johnson. She attended Grinnell schools. Mary Lou made her home in Grinnell and cared for elderly people in their homes for many years. She was united in marriage to David Kudej on July 3, 1986 in Grinnell. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and outdoor activities. Survivors include her daughter, Traci (Doug) Dolash of Chelsea, IA; one son, Allan Jones of Deep River, IA; three grandchildren, Colton Jones, Ashley (Curtis) Raue and Dustin Dolash; one great grandson, Karsen Raue; one brother, Keith Johnson of Grinnell; three sisters, Joan Smith of Dothan, Alabama, Bonnie Cowger of Grinnell and Sandy Mayo of Santa Rosa, California; as well as a special friend, Paul McDonald. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2012; and three sisters, Helen Hauersperger, Phyllis Azendo and Betty Cheatham.