Mary Lou Burress, 84, Alfordsville, Indiana passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Washington, Indiana with her niece Sharon by her side.
She was born on January 19, 1942 in Loogootee, Indiana to Beveridge and Ethel (Boonshot) Burress.
Mary Lou was a member of Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church. She was very strong in her faith and lived every day for the Lord. Mary Lou was a lifelong farmer and as such, a good steward of God’s creation. She was a hardworking woman who took very good care of her cows and calves which she loved, pigs, and crops. Mary enjoyed the simple wonders of life: walking the fields sowing seeds by hand; watching the crops grow until they were harvested; baling and putting up hay in the barn. Friends would see her driving her tractors and her good Ford trucks. We will remember her with smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother David Burress, infant brother James Burress, and great-nephew Jonathan Perry.
She is survived by two brothers: Ralph (Malee) Burress and their children: Angela (Scott) Knust, Staci (Donnie) Jones, Michelle (Darrell) Frye, and Kim (Billy) Phelps.
Brother Paul (Bernice) Burress and their children: Phyllis (Mike) Pence, Lynda (Terry) Reel, and Randall (Mary Jo) Burress.
Her late brother Daivd Burress’ children, whom she treated like her own: Mary Jane (Tim) Edwards, Julie (Troy Fitch) Graber, John “Johnny” David Burress, and Sharon (Brad Walden) Banks.
Great nieces and nephews: Justin and Aaron Knust, Zach and Cade Jones, Saylor, Ethan, and Daylan Frye, Kaleb Phelps, Elizabeth (David) Chanley, Emily Burress, Samantha (Michael Porter) Reel. Michael ( Brittany) Perry, Jessica(Christopher) Combs, Faith (Robert) Marshall, Mathew, Megan, Brieanna, Alex. Warren “Casey”(Adison) Miller, Wade and Garrison Graber, Ashley (Benjamin Grubbs) Banks, Allison Banks.
Great-grand nieces and nephews: Gabe, Elle, and Adeline Chanley, Elia Reel, Bryleigh,Elijah, and Sophia Perry, Bradley, Olivia, and Makenzie Combs, Annabelle and Logan Marshall
Cremation was chosen according to her wishes. A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Rutherford with Justin Hilligoss officiating.
Friends and family may visit from 10 A.M. till the time of service at 11A.M. on Saturday at the church. A fellowship meal will follow the service and all are welcome to attend.
Burial will take place in the church cemetery at a later date.
The Burress family would like to thank Helping Hearts Hospice for wonderful care and support during the last few months.
Blake Funeral Home is very honored to serve the family of Mary Lou Burress.
Online condolences can be made at www.blakefuneralhomes.com
