Mary Lou (VanHouten) Pals

Mary Lou Pals (Van Houten) passed away peacefully on Friday February 28, 2025 at the age of 95. Born on August 29, 1929, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. Mary Lou was a lifelong resident of Eastmanville, and member of Eastmanville United Reformed Church. She and her husband Corky were married for 58 years and they were blessed with 2 sons, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mary Lou spent 23 years working for Grandville Public Schools where she impacted many children along the way. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and crafting; after retirement, she and Corky enjoyed many years selling their wares at craft shows and playing in Corky’s Pals, a gospel bluegrass group. They were also instrumental in starting Jam Night at the Coopersville Farm Museum. Those years brought them much enjoyment and friendships as well. A loving marriage and the blessing of her family brought Mary Lou the greatest joy, and created many special times and memories throughout her life. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents Al & Tressa Van Houten, loving husband Corky, son Tom; her first great grandchild Andrew Pals; daughters-in-law Joyce Pals and Lori Phillips; brother and sister-in-law Allan & Caroline Van Houten. Mary Lou is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Larry & Lori Pals of Lamont; grandchildren J.T. (Michele)Pals, Amy (Patrick) Tarpley, Mitchell (Stephanie) Pals, Caitlin Pals, Chloe (Mitch) Nichols; great grandchildren Emma, Jordyn, Camryn, Kinsley, Jensen, Ellie, Beckham; brother and sister-in-law Wally & Elaine Van Houten, sister-in-law Cobie Pals, Tom’s fiancé Renee; several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Eastmanville United Reformed Church, 6845 Leonard St, Coopersville, MI 49404. A funeral service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Eastmanville United Reformed Church, 6845 Leonard St, Coopersville, MI 49404 with Rev. Jeph Nobel officiating. Burial will take place in Allendale Twp. Cemetery. The family would like to give special thanks to Fountain View Assisted Living, The Medical Team Hospice and niece Karla Van Houten for their faithful and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Lamont Christian School, 5260 Leonard St, Coopersville, MI 49404 or The Coopersville Farm Museum, 375 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404 in memory of Mary Lou. Condolences for the family may be left on Mary Lou’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com. 

Throop Funeral Home 

Coopersville, 616-837-8161