Mary Lou Trent

Mary Lou graduated from Grand Forks Central High School and went on to receive a diploma in stenography. She further honed her shorthand and secretarial skills through courses at Aaker's Business College in Grand Forks—training that reflected a steady diligence and a desire to be thoroughly prepared for the work she would do in service to others.

Mary Lou served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1956. She later dedicated more than 40 years as a Civil Service Secretary for the Air Force, offering dependable support with quiet competence and constancy.

Above all, Mary Lou will be remembered as a loving, kind-hearted mother and grandma whose care was expressed in everyday sacrifices and steadfast concern for those around her. She put the needs of her family first, and her generosity extended beyond her own home—making sure a friend had a Thanksgiving turkey and all the fixings each year. Even as her health declined, Mary Lou continued to ask how everyone else was doing, a simple habit that spoke to the depth of her compassion. She lived a long life, loved deeply, and will be deeply missed, forever in our hearts.

In her quieter moments, Mary Lou found comfort and enjoyment in doing crossword puzzles and collecting angels—small joys that brought light and calm to her days.

Mary Lou is survived by her children Steven Eggart and Michelle (Clint) Gilham; grandchildren Joshua (Consuelo) Trent-Murray, Deegan, Elijah and Scythe Gilham; great grandchildren Andrew, Autumn, Brandon, and Lucas; and her sisters Mildred and Rosie and brother Ralph.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Retreat at Sunny Vista and Brighton Hospice for their care and support.

“Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not”

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure”