MARS HILL – Mary Lou Cronkhite, 72, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at a Presque Isle hospital. She was born Aug. 3, 1939, in Mars Hill, the daughter of Howard and Evelyn (Hallett) Tapley.
Mary Lou was a graduate of Bridgewater Classical Academy. She worked for many years for area growers picking potatoes or in the potato house. She was a devoted wife and mother, who enjoyed visiting friends, reading and loved to do crossword puzzles.
She is survived by her husband, Dalton Cronkhite Sr. of Mars Hill; four children, John and his wife, Patricia, of Presque Isle, Rick and his wife, Shelli, of Blaine, Shelly Cooper and her husband, Ellis, of Morganton, N.C., and Frankie and his partner, Jeff Spencer, of Limerick; three grandchildren, Katelyn Murphy, Tori Moorefield and Joshua Cronkhite; five stepgrandchildren, Angel Gilberty, Ben Small, Renee Belmain, Chase Lunney and Emma Lunney; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Anna Marie Larrabee of Blaine; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Dalton Cronkhite Jr.; and 10 brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Westfield United Baptist Church with Pastor Lawrence Beals officiating. Friends may call noon until the time of service at the church. Interment will take place in the spring at Tapley Cemetery, Blaine. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.