Mary Louise Williams Cope McBride, passed away at her home in Ceres, CA, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the age of 86.

Lou, as she was affectionately known, was born July 16, 1936, in Senath, MO, to the late Elza Taft Williams and Gladys Mae White Williams. She graduated from Deering High School in Deering, MO, where she excelled in clerical studies under Mrs. Jonakin and was a forward on the Girls Basketball team.

She married Alvin L. Cope in September 1954, and subsequently moved to East Prairie, MO.  In 1957, they moved to Charleston, MO, where Lou continued to excel in her role as homemaker and mother to two little girls.  She worked for Charleston School District as the secretary to the principal and as the Charleston City Clerk for many years.

Lou's main endeavor in life was as a devoted mother and grandmother.  She loved her family above all else.

In her younger years, Lou enjoyed summers on Kentucky Lake aboard the family houseboat.  She was quite the water skier, getting on two skis with one of the children riding on the front of her skis.  She also dearly loved to read and travel as well as cook and entertain her family and friends.  Lou was a member of the First Baptist Church of Charleston and the Charleston Junior Study Club.

Lou moved to Ceres, CA, in 1974 and was employed by E & J Gallo Winery, eventually becoming Assistant Office Manager for Gallo entity, Fairbanks Trucking.  While working at Fairbanks, she met Richard McBride, whom she married in January 1980, and who survives of the home.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sheila (Ken) Doberenz and Luanne (Ed) Solansky; grandchildren, Andrew Solansky and Carly Doberenz;  stepson, Don (Mirna) McBride;  stepgrandson, Nick (Kellie) McBride and their children, Sierra McBride and Anthony McBride.

Family graveside services were held.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family requests the memorials be made to

Community Hospice, Inc.  4368 Spyres Way    Modesto, CA  95350

Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital    262 Danny Thomas Place   Memphis TN  38105