Mary Lou Riney

Mary Lou Riney, 83, passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 24, 2016, at her home in Lenoir City, TN. Mary Lou was born Sept. 24, 1932, the daughter of Forrest Raye White and Mabel Marie (Martin) White at Des Moines, IA, later moving with her family to Independence.

Mary Lou graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence in 1950. She was married to Doyle Vincent Riney on Dec. 18, 1954, who was then stationed at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base.

Four children were born to this union. Mary Lou was strong in her Christian faith. She and Doyle made their home in many locations within the US, Germany and the Middle East throughout his military career and after. In addition to raising her children, she enjoyed working outside the home in various secretarial and clerical positions.

Upon retirement, Mary Lou and Doyle returned to Missouri from California to be near their daughter and grandchildren; living first in Blue Springs and later in Marshall, were Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband on Feb. 9, 2009. She later moved to Lenoir City, TN, to be close to her daughter, Denise. All of her children were able to be with her in the days preceding her death. Her mind was clear and they were able to reminisce of times and events shared throughout their lives.

In addition to her parents and husband of 54 years, Mary Lou was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Airason Mae Berning.

Survivors include her four children – Keith Riney – Vallejo, CA, Beverley Thering – Lubbock, TX, Denise Dunham and husband, Jack – Loudon, TN, and Suzette Berning and husband, Scott – El Dorado Springs; a brother, Martin Ray White and wife, Lucille – Sunrise Beach; seven grandchildren – Alanna Martin and husband, Ryan – Olathe, KS; Derek Berning and wife, Nikki – Nevada; Michelle Thering – Knob Noster; Rebecca Thering – Lubbock, TX; Sarah Parks and husband, Silas – Lenior City, TN; Kayla Thering – Lubbock, TX, and Dillon Berning – El Dorado Springs; five great-grandchildren – Kella Bernine, Aiden Degen, Arianna Berning, Ronin parks and Koryn Fuller; two step great-granddaughters, Amara Pippin and Malynn Pippin; and many nephews and nieces.

A family memorial service will be conducted at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.