Mary Lou Kinslow Smelser

Mary Louise (Marylou) Kinslow Smelser (Edwards) October 20, 1937 – January 5, 2025

Mary Louise "Marylou" Kinslow Smelser passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025. She was born on October 20, 1937, in Tuttle, Oklahoma, to Harvey Earl and Mary Dailey Edwards.

Marylou is survived by her daughter, Regina Rider (Seth), and her two beloved grandsons, Chase William and Levi Michael. She is also survived by her stepsons, Phillip Smelser (Hara) and Brad Smelser (Tricia); nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Marylou attended Frances Willard Grade School and graduated from North Central High School, Class of 1955, both in Spokane, Washington. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, graduating Summa Cum Laude from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, in 1980.

On June 16, 1956, Marylou married William "Bill" Kinslow at Hillyard Baptist Church in Spokane, Washington. Together, they moved often, living in cities across the country, including Spokane, Denver, Chicopee Falls (Massachusetts), San Francisco, Idaho Falls, Bartlesville (Oklahoma), Kansas City (Missouri), Wilmington (Delaware), and Saline (Michigan).

Marylou retired as the Controller for PMA Consultants in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2006. After retirement, she returned to Spokane, Washington, where she married Thomas Smelser and continued to enjoy her time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Tom and Chick Edwards; her first husband, William Kinslow; her second husband, Thomas Smelser; and her two children, Michael Craig Kinslow and Sabrina Louise Kinslow.

Marylou was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, Manito Presbyterian Church, the Spokane Club, and the Eagles.

A funeral service will be held at Terrace Park in Kansas City, Missouri, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, William Kinslow, and her children, Michael and Sabrina.

Marylou will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and devotion to her family and community.