Obituary of Mary Lou Kristensen

Mary Lou Kristensen (nee Pool) Born November 26, 1929 Died July 29, 2014 Mary Lou is survived by her husband Walter Kristensen, four daughters: Christine Kay Coates, Koren Jennifer Torheim, Jeanette (Jenny) Ann Huseman, Sharon Graf, sister Sally Croft and brother Charles (Chuck) Pool, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. We will miss her deeply. Life for Mary Lou began in Kenosha Wisconsin, (with parents John and Alice Pool) however it was her childhood years in San Diego that forever shaped her love of life, outdoors in the sunshine, the surf and feeling free as a bird. When a teenager, the family moved to Portland Oregon where, after graduating from Lincoln High School, she married John Huseman and became the outstanding mother of three daughters. Mary Lou was creative (she leaves a legacy of art work behind), she nurtured the family, including April the dog, and her amazing skills meant it seemed she could fix anything from the plumbing, tooth adjustments, scrapes and musings (wise words of wisdom to developing teens). Music was always present, contributing to a home full of melody, song and dance. After the girls had grown (some had left home) she regained independence, sought employment and eventual divorce, beginning a period of life where travel figured highly. Being a spirit of boundless energy and adventure and having a love of engaging people, this brought her many happy times. Life's next chapter was shared with the love of her life, Walter Kristensen, where travel continued to bring happiness, and ultimately a move to Lake Havasu City, Arizona where a new home was created, shared with their dogs Sheba, and then Pepe. A feisty person, Mary Lou lived life fully with a lot of determination overcoming several extremely challenging illnesses only to succumb in the end as we will all. As a strong spirit, Mary Lou retained her interest in the greater world, her love of animals (especially dogs) and a deep love for her husband and immediate family. All of us will forever hold and cherish memories of this wonderful woman, now truly free. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Mary Lou's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.