Mary Lou (Phelps) McConkie

Mary Lou McConkie, 93, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by the loving care of her family, the Pineview staff, and Gentiva Hospice.

Mary Lou was born on August 13, 1932, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Lewis and Carol (Cady) Phelps. She spent her early years in Bay City before returning to Battle Creek during her junior year of high school. Mary Lou graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1950. She later earned her Registered Nursing degree and nursing pin from Bronson School of Nursing while working at Bronson Methodist Hospital. While attending high school, Mary Lou met the love of her life, Chuck. Mary Lou Phelps and Charles Ellsworth McConkie, Jr. were united in marriage on January 16, 1954, in Big Rapids, Michigan.

During the years Chuck attended pharmacy school at Ferris State College, Mary Lou worked at the local hospital in Big Rapids. In 1955, the couple returned to Battle Creek, where Mary Lou devoted herself to raising their family. Later, she worked for Dr. Levy for 21 years before continuing her nursing career at the Calhoun County Nursing Clinic until her retirement.

Surviving are Chuck, her beloved husband of 72 years; her children, Charles Ellsworth (Kate) McConkie, III of Custer, Wisconsin; Laura Ann (Paul) Tatum of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Bradley Lewis (Eileen) McConkie of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She is also survived by four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Hudson McCloud Phelps; and her sister, Carolyn (Bruce) Garver.

Mary Lou attended Westlake Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. She and Chuck shared a love of travel and treasured the many adventures they enjoyed together over the years. Mary Lou especially loved cooking and kept file cabinets filled with treasured recipes. She had a deep affection for animals and enjoyed caring for the family’s dogs and cats. She also found great joy in nature, particularly feeding birds and watching hummingbirds and Baltimore orioles from her home. A talented homemaker and creative spirit, Mary Lou enjoyed knitting, sewing, and working part-time at Stretch & Sew in Urbandale Plaza. She loved snow skiing and once bravely attempted water skiing—though only once. Mary Lou and Chuck also enjoyed attending auto races together.

For many years, they spent three weeks each year at their timeshare on Hilton Head Island, where they enjoyed walking the shoreline, dining out, visiting second-hand stores, and making cherished memories with family and friends. Mary Lou and Chuck faithfully volunteered with the Behr Paint balloon crew during the annual balloon festival and also dedicated their time to Marian Burch Adult Day Care, where they assisted seniors with outings, activities, and companionship. Mary Lou will be remembered for her kindness, gentle spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cared for.

Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a service to celebrate Mary Lou’s life will begin at 3:00 p.m. The service will also be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5923491

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice or to a charity honoring hospice or senior care services. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.Farleyestesdowdle.com