Mary Lou Harness

Mary Lou Harness, 79, of Springfield, died at 2:05 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at her home. Mary Lou was born March 21, 1934 in Edwardsville, the daughter of Lorenz and Mary Bono Gallina. She married George N. Harness, Jr. in 1952 in Staunton, IL; he preceded her in death on October 21, 1992. Mary Lou and her husband ran a nightclub from 1968 to 1975 called the Harness House and most recently was employed with Dickey Johns in Auburn in the kitchen. She was a member of TOPS and Bunco Club. She loved being at home with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, yard work, flowers, and was the best Italian cook in Springfield. She was also preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Mary Ann Harness; Brenda's companion, Billy Waldmire; and three siblings, Louis Gallina, James Bono, and Carol Hutchinson. She is survived by her two sons, Larry (wife, Cherlyn) Harness of Sherman and David E. (wife, Judy) Harness of Springfield; daughter, Brenda Harness Brown of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Michael, Ashley, Shaun, Lacey, Jennifer, Amanda, and Zachary; two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Paige; siblings, Lee Littlehale of El Cajon, CA and Betty (husband, Ray) Rowden of Rochester; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved pet, Benji. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham with Rev. Dennis Kollross, celebrant. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703.