Mary L. Awalt, age 88, passed away at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living Center on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Mrs. Awalt was born in Baden, Missouri on April 10, 1936, a daughter of the late Oliver W. and Margaret (nee Ridenour) Fischer. She married Ronald E. Awalt on July 16, 1955, and he preceded her in death on January 19, 2005.
Mrs. Awalt is survived by her children: Lynn Thomas, Stephen Awalt, Michael Awalt and wife Carla, and David Awalt and wife Clara; his grandchildren: Stephanie Burns and husband Chad, Lauren Pilgreen and husband Brian, and Matthew Awalt and wife Emily; and her great grandchildren: Samantha Rinderer and husband Chandler, and Lucas, Connor, Landen, Cody, Abagail, Payton, Maddox, and Emerson. Mary is also survived by her brothers, Oliver Fischer and Gerald Fischer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Margaret Fischer; her husband, Ronald Awalt; and two grandchildren: Donnell Awalt and Aaron Awalt.
In her early life, Mary dedicated herself to creating a warm and inviting home for family and friends. She later cared for the students at Carlyle Jr. High School, where she worked in the kitchen. Mrs. Awalt found joy in the simplicities of life, whether it was playing a game of Bingo, enjoying the outdoors, fishing, or tending to her beloved rose bushes.
A memorial service will be held at a later date, with burial at McKendree Chapel Cemetery near Keyesport. Memorial donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
