Mary Louise Fries , 92, of Columbia City passed away peacefully in the company of family at her home at 7:10 p.m. Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Born on July 10, 1932 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Raymond John and Mildred Lucille (Blood) Denzel. At age three, her family moved to Greenville, Ohio, until, as a Kindergartener, the family moved to Fort Wayne, and in 1947, they moved to Syracuse. She graduated from Syracuse High School in 1950.  Continuing her education, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education from Indiana University, Bloomington.

Mary Lou began teaching at McLallen School in Columbia City in September 1955, then at West Ward School and Mary Raber School. In 1971, she began working in the reading clinic at IPFW and also at St. Francis College.

On May 27, 1967, she was united in marriage to John Louis Fries. They always made their home in Columbia City. John died February 5, 2012.

Her memberships include St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Eta Fine Arts Sorority, Philomathean, life member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Tri Kappa, Association of Early Childhood Education, Kosciusko Extension Agent for two summers, former director of Camp Whitley, Whitley County 4-H Leader for a few years, Whitley County Home Extension Homemakers, IU Alumni and American Legion Auxiliary in Ligonier.

In her senior years, she enjoyed fishing and attending high school sports. She kept her mind active by working jigsaw puzzles, completing the daily cryptograms, and reading.

Surviving relatives include a daughter, Mary Catherine (Gregg) Palmer of Columbia City; a granddaughter, Olivia Palmer; her special friends, Kathy and Steve Linvill of Columbia City, Tyler and Katlin Schiff of Columbia City, Anastasia Morgan; and her beloved dogs, Lil Bean, Yettie, and Tucker.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a step-son, Stephen Fries, and a brother, Richard "Dick" Eugene Denzel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday (June 19th) at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 South Line Street, Columbia City, with visitation one hour prior. The burial will take place in the Catholic Cemetery in Columbia City. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a Tri Kappa service at 8 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to Delta Kappa Gamma- Alpha Zeta Chapter.