Mary "Lou" Bledsoe

Mary Lou "Lou" Bledsoe went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Garret Linzy “Slim” Tennyson; her mother, Bonnie Jeanne Tennyson; her sisters, Nancy Jean Bledsoe and Ruby Mae Zane; her brother-in-law, Robert C. Bledsoe; her niece, Robin C. Carbone; and her great-nephew, Gabriel R. Sotelo.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, James M. Bledsoe; her daughter, Bonnie J. Bledsoe; her grandson, Garrett J. Bledsoe; and many beloved nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Her grandson and great nieces and nephews knew her as Granny Lou.

What does a life marked by Christ look like?

It looks like my Aunt Lou.

From the age of seven, Lou knew she needed Jesus — she felt an urgency in her heart, a moment that began a lifelong journey with her Lord and Savior. That moment sparked a devotion that guided every chapter of her life.

Mary Lou Bledsoe was born on April 29, 1942, in Tucson, Arizona, the middle daughter of Garret “Slim” and Bonnie Jean Tennyson. She was born into a world on the edge of war, yet the Tennyson household stood firm in faith. From her parents she learned to pray first, then act — a lesson that shaped her life. Faith taught her to stand when times were hard, to trust the Lord in all things, and to let Christ’s mark upon her life never fade.

Lou attended Papago Elementary and North High School in Phoenix. Shortly after graduating, she married the love of her life. On June 11, 1960, she wed James Bledsoe; one year later, their daughter Bonnie was born.

James, the son of a pastor, soon felt called into ministry. Lou stepped boldly into that calling alongside him. Together, they founded and pastored Orangewood Church of God for 12 years. In 1976 they moved to Muncie, Indiana, to pastor a church there before returning home to Arizona in 1980 to pastor Desert Valley Church of God, where they faithfully served for the next 26 years.

Lou was no ordinary pastor’s wife. She had a vibrant spirit, a compassionate heart, and a love for people that reflected Christ. Once shy as a child, a childhood friend named Linda brought her out of her shell — unlocking a sparkling sense of humor that never left her. She loved to teach: toddlers who knew her as “Teacher Lou,” teenagers and young adults who looked up to her, and anyone who needed guidance or encouragement. She once dressed in a bear costume and crashed a youth group party. She would do spontaneous “fire drills” where, at a red light, everyone would jump out, run around the car, jump back in, and drive off laughing. There was never a dull moment with Lou.

She learned to play the piano so she could serve as the church pianist, and she discovered a joy and passion in music. She even played one Sunday with a broken elbow — an injury she didn’t know she had at the time. That was the determination and spirit of Lou.

Lou was bi-vocational, serving along side her husband in ministry while working for Berean Christian Bookstore. She left Berean for awhile to take care of her grandson until he started school. She then return to Berean for a few years then worked at Recovery Management Systems for 20 years. She retired at age 80.

Her greatest passion was missions. She supported missionaries faithfully, especially Bill and Rhoda Watson in Brazil and Richard Womack in Southeast Asia, and others. She knew she could not go herself, but she knew she could send, support, pray, and help spread the Gospel around the world.

Lou’s legacy lives on in the countless stories she told, and in the memories held by every heart she touched. She will be remembered for her quick wit, her playful pranks, her generosity, her joy, her love for people — and above all else, her unwavering love for Jesus Christ.

She was a mentor to so many young men and women. And to the one who writes these words, she was a protector, a prayer warrior, a friend, and an aunt.

I love you, Big Polly. Thank you for leaving the mark of Christ wherever you walked.

John 11:25-26 KJV

[25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

A visitation will be held on January 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, located at 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85009.

Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.