Mary Lou Bichsel
Mary Lou Bichsel, 92, of Leonard, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Baptist Homes of Shelbina.
Born Mary Lou Crow on May 26, 1934, in Greenup, Illinois, she was the daughter of Margaret Florence Baumgartner and David Henry Crow. She graduated from Leonard High School in 1952 and began her working life at McWilliams Shoe Store in Shelbina. On June 3, 1954 she married George William Bichsel, and together they built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family in Leonard, Missouri. They raised ten children and founded Bichsel Spreading Service, a business they built from the ground up. George preceded her in death in 1995.
Mary Lou lived her life for her family and friends. She delighted in telling people she had ten children and loved seeing their astonished reactions — it was her greatest pride. A creative soul, she enjoyed crocheting, sewing, painting, and gardening. Growing flowers was her passion, one she lovingly passed down to her children and grandchildren. Never let it be said that Mary Lou Bichsel passed by a thing of beauty without recognizing it and thanking God for it. She also cherished a warm cup of tea shared with a friend and the quiet satisfaction of a good jigsaw puzzle.
Mary Lou was also deeply committed to her community. She was a long-time member of the Willing Workers Club and spent years going door‑to‑door collecting donations for the American Cancer Society. She was a strong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, believing wholeheartedly in helping families and children in need.
A woman of deep faith, Mary Lou was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church; always ready to lend a hand for any church event. She was blessed with 27 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren, with two more expected at the time of her passing. Her legacy lives on in each of them. She will be missed beyond measure.
Mary Lou is survived by three siblings: Linda Mae Thrasher of Clarence, MO; Kathy Lovin of the St. Louis area; and David E. Crow of the St. Louis area. She also leaves behind several beloved cousins with whom she remained close throughout her life. Mary Lou is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her brothers‑ and sisters‑in‑law, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
She is survived by her ten children: Julia A. Perrigo (Eddy), Shelbyville, MO; David G. Bichsel (Rhonda), Leonard, MO; Thomas W. Bichsel (Sharon), Fulton, MO; Mary Cecilia Marsh (Leroy), Galt, MO; Patricia L. Allen (Robyn), Bethel, MO; Vincent C. Bichsel (Gayla), Blue Springs, MO; Dennis L. Bichsel (Lana), Leonard, MO; Paula M. Smith (Duane), Shelbina, MO; Anita B. Bichsel, Columbia, MO; Cathy A. Kroner (Jeff), Moberly, MO.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her dear aunt Frances Clark (“Auntie”), her grandson Christopher W. Bichsel, and her great-granddaughter Paisley L. Jones.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10 am at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelbina, MO. Burial will be held at the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Hagars Grove, MO. Visitation will be held Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm at the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, MO with a Rosary beginning at 4:30 pm that evening. Memorials can be made to the St. Michael’s Cemetery or Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
