Mary Lou Van den Arend

She was born on September 27, 1935 in Lewistown, the daughter of William R. and Helen (Butler) Whaley. Mary Lou married Robert A. Van den Arend on March 14, 1954 in Lewistown. He survives.

Also surviving are one sister-in-law, Roberta Fletcher of Canton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Robert, William Kenneth and Everett Leo Whaley; and one daughter, Bobbi Sue Van den Arend.

Mary Lou worked for the Hiram Walker Distillery in Peoria from 1956-1970. She later worked for ACPM Podiatry Group from 1981-1992. Mary Lou was the Mother’s Club President for Sunset Hill Primary School, a Brownie Scout Leader and a former YWCA Board Member in Pekin.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday July 28, 2025 at the Glendale Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Pastor Sean Peters will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or Make-A-Wish Illinois - Peoria Field Office, 3100 Knoxville Ave., Suite 207, Peoria, IL 61603.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com