Mary Lou (Harpole) Chamberlain

Mary Lou (Harpole) Chamberlain, age 91, of Pittsfield, IL passed away on Friday August 8, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born on January 16, 1934, in Hardin Township to Ross and Leota (Sutton) Harpole.  She married her high school sweetheart Donald Wayne Chamberlain on April 14, 1953, and he survives.

Mary Lou graduated from Nebo High School in 1952 and went on to attend Gem City Business College.  She started her working career in Quincy at the Illinois Bank before moving back home to help care for her father.  She then worked at the First National Bank in Pittsfield before finishing her working career with C.I.P.S., retiring after 38 ½ years on September 30, 1995.  Mary Lou was a member of the Nebo Christian Church and after moving from the farm to Pittsfield she attended the First Christian Church of Pittsfield.  She was a very active member of the ladies' church circle and faithfully attended Bible study.  She was also a member of DAR, Women’s Club and was a board member of the local Red Cross.  She also enjoyed getting together with her friends every Friday.

Mary Lou and Don were avid travelers.  They spent time in Colorado, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Mexico, and South Korea, where they were able to visit Seoul and Beijing, China.  They also went to Hawaii, Nevada, and drove to the four corners of Utah.  They made many trips with family and friends, always enjoying their time, especially their trips with her cousin Gary Draper who was like a brother to her.  But the most cherished trips were with Teresa, Dennis and their family. Mary Lou said what a blessing it was to be included on their family vacations and how much they enjoyed being with their great grandchildren.  Mary Lou loved her life and the people in it. She would say that growing older is a privilege denied to many, just enjoy each day and thank the Lord for his many Blessings.

Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Donald; daughter Teresa  (Dennis) Wade of rural Nebo, IL; two granddaughters, Jaclyn Anne Baker of Pittsfield, IL and Lindsey Erin (Todd) Tedrow of Macomb, IL; great-grandchildren, Adeline Tedrow, Harrison Baker, Wesson Tedrow and Christian Baker; brother, Dale Harpole of Jerseyville, IL and several nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends survive.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Norma Harpole Ottwell; brother-in-law Ray Ottwell; sister-in-law, Joyce Stewart Harpole. 

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday August 13, 2025, at the First Christian Church of Pittsfield, IL at 9:00 AM.  Interment will follow at the Nebo Cemetery in Nebo, IL.   Visitation will be on Tuesday August 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL.

Memorials are suggested to be made to the First Christian Church of Pittsfield or Nebo Cemetery.  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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