Mary Lou (Campbell) Blake

Mary Lou Blake, age 89 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Monday, June 23, 2025, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield, IL. She was born December 6, 1935, in Pittsfield, IL to Ray and Charlotte Hobbs Campbell. Mary Lou first married Donald Clarkson and to this union three children were born; she later married Jeff Blake and together they welcomed two children.

Mary Lou was a Pittsfield High School graduate with the Class of 1954. In the past she attended Pittsfield United Methodist Church where she was baptized. Mary Lou worked at Miles Drugstore, Town & Country Shop, and bartended at several area restaurants. Later in life she became a CNA and worked at Eastside Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center for over 30 years. She went on to work at Cummings Food in the deli and then went to work at Catering & More with her partner in crime, Barbara Shoemaker where they became lifelong friends. Mary Lou was an avid reader and enjoyed her trips to Florida with Charley. She cherished time spent with girlfriends enjoying coffee and good conversation; and always loved her sweets and chicken wings. Mary Lou was a proud grandma and great grandma who was loving and friendly. She could be a little onery and stubborn but was always loved by all who met her and never knew a stranger.

Mary Lou is survived by sons, Mike (Lori) Clarkson of Quincy, IL and Steve Blake of Pittsfield, IL; daughters, Starla Lewis of Baylis, IL, Marti Grammer of Pittsfield, IL and Staci Blake of Jacksonville, IL; grandchildren, Tony Lewis, Chris Clarkson, Brandon Clarkson, Braden Bilger and Brenden (Chloe) Blake; great grandson, Dana Lewis; and great great grandchildren, Ross Lewis and Preston Lewis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Campbell and Charlotte Campbell-Williamson; stepfather, Virden 'Mike' Williamson; former husbands, Jeffery Blake and Donald Clarkson; brother in infancy, William Campbell; stepsisters, Ilene (Skeet) Ator and Joyce (Otto) Turner; sons-in-law, Randy Grammer and Jim Lewis; and good friend, Charley Nelson.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and private burial will be held at West Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home or Blessing Hospice. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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