Mary Lou (Sporner) Schutz, 90, of 850 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA passed away following a brief illness Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois. 

She was born November 2, 1933, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Isadore J. and Esther Kraus Sporner.  She attended St. Marys Parochial School and graduated from Central Catholic High School, Class of 1951.

On May 27, 1989, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mary Lou married the late Alfred J. Schutz.  Shortly thereafter, she retired, after 38 years from National Fuel Gas Company. 

Mary Lou enjoyed a very active life and was involved in many activities and organizations.  She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Her faith drew her to volunteer with various church committees such as Care and Concern, Bereavement Dinners, Candle Committee, and the Altar Society.  She also served as a Eucharistic Minister.

She was a member and president of St. Marys Catholic Knights of St. George Branches, 121 and 126.  Mary Lou served as honorary supreme vice president of the National Branch of Knights of St. George-Pittsburgh.  She went on to serve as president of William Penn Association, Branch 8121.

Mary Lou was also a member of the Benedictine Oblates, Elk County Cursillo Movement, and the Eagles Auxiliary.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling around the United States, including Hawaii.  She especially liked taking bus tours to attend plays and visit various Catholic events and services.

She is survived by her niece, Mary Ellen Hemme, and two nephews, David DeSantis (Betsy) and James DeSantis, II; five grandchildren: John Valin, Debra Howell (Walter), Vanessa Rolfe (John), Victoria Walton (Mark), and Valerie Bodewig (Norman); several great-grandchildren; along with her dear friends, Joe and Jane Gnan, who were always there whenever she needed something.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Lillian and James Desantis; and her step-daughter, Mary Lou (Shultz) Valin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:00AM, with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 9:00AM until 10:30AM.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 325 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to a favorite charity of one’s choosing.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com