Mary Lou Fleming, née Stevens, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 26th, 2022. She was 66.

Mary Lou was born on January 27, 1956 in Moses Lake, Washington to James David Stevens and Marilyn Rae Hite.

After the death of her father when she was 16, her family moved to Orem, Utah. Mary Lou graduated from Orem High School in 1974. In college, she participated in a study abroad program and lived in Spain for six months. She received her associate's degree from Ricks College and then transferred to Brigham Young University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in humanities in 1979.

She married her sweetheart Clark Fleming on April 30, 1981 in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The couple experienced a lifetime of adventures together as they traveled around the world for Clark's service in the U.S. Marine Corps. They lived in Provo and Orem, Utah; Woodbridge, Virginia; Pensacola, Florida; Okinawa, Japan; Millington, Tennessee; Camp Pendleton, California; Stafford, Virginia; El Paso, Texas; Arlington, Virginia; and Salem, Utah.

Mary Lou had diverse interests and talents. She was an avid reader and loved to share book recommendations with friends and family. A talented homemaker, she put a magical touch into everything she baked or cooked. She quilted, sewed, and knitted. Mary Lou held the fort down at home while Clark was on active duty or training, and supported him throughout his career in the Marines and later the Drug Enforcement Administration. Her children were her pride and joy.

Mary Lou remained a faithful member of the LDS church throughout her life. She truly loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and labored to instill that faith in her children. She served for 10 years as a seminary instructor while her sons were in school. Mary Lou was a skilled pianist and organist, and served for many times as a ward organist. She also held leadership positions in her wards and stakes through the years, where she was beloved.

She lived a life of service taking care of her children and husband. She made friends easily with her quick wit, kindness, and honesty. We know she will be missed by all those who knew her, but we find comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her son Thomas, who passed away at three months old.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Clark Fleming, children: Kathryn Nielsen (Seth) of Seattle, WA; Steven (Jordanna) Fleming of Bentonville, AR; Richard (Annie) Fleming of Los Angeles, CA; and Brian (Ashley) Fleming of Herriman, Utah; as well as four grandsons.

She is also survived by her brothers, sisters and in-laws: Susan (Ted) Boyer; Diane (Larry) Price; David (Carol) Stevens; JoAnn (Joe) Cioffi; Kim Manley; Jonathan Stevens; Ruth and Donovan Fleming; Karen (Dave) Canady; Greg (Anna) Fleming; Suzy (Bob) Canady; Dave (Sarah) Fleming; and Scott (Tiffany) Fleming.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents and her son Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, please direct your affection to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who so diligently cared for Thomas during his brief stay on this earth.

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