Mary Latham

FLORISSANT, Mo. -- Mary Lou Bollinger Latham, 75, of Florissant passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at the Trauma Center of Christian Northwest Hospital in Florissant.

She was born Jan. 27, 1937, in the Hooe community, daughter of Bernie E. and Elsie Viola Crader Bollinger. Mary Lou attended Benton, Mo., public schools, graduating with the class of 1954. On Aug. 14, 1955, at Unity Baptist Church near Benton, she and Robert L. Latham were united in marriage.

She had resided in Florissant more than 40 years. She was a secretary with Hazelwood School District more than 30 years before retiring.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Alan Lee (Deborah) Latham; a daughter, Carol Ann Kappler (David) Roberson, all of St. Peters, Mo.; a brother, Clyde (Margaret) Bollinger of Festus, Mo.; a sister, Rosalie Bollinger of Benton; a sister-in-law, Christine Bollinger of Blodgett, Mo.; five granddaughters, Jennifer and Alysia Kappler, Katelyn, Sarah and Julianna Latham; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Almeda (Addis) Mayfield of St. Ann, Mo.; four brothers, Glenn (Alma) Bollinger of Benton, Dale (Colleen) Bollinger of Oran, Mo., Ray (Leona) Bollinger of Alton, Ill., Roy (Christine) Bollinger of Blodgett; and a nephew, Donald Lee (Sonnie) Bollinger of Benton.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, Mo.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home. The Rev. Dennis Lowe, pastor of Unity Baptist Church of Benton, will officiate, and the Rev. Kenneth Bollinger, pastor of New Savannah Baptist Church of Blodgett, will assist. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston.

Online condolences may be sent at www.ponderfuneralhome.com.

Announcement courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel of Scott City.