Mary Lou Ummel, 86, passed away on October 2, 2024, at the Cedar Village Care Center in Ness City, Kansas.  She was born on March 8, 1938, in Hutchinson, Kansas the daughter of Wilkins and Mildred (Murphy) Downing.

She earned her teaching certificate and then taught in the area schools.  Mary Lou also worked for Simpson Farm Enterprise in the early years of their operation.  She was a member of the Ransom Methodist Church and several book clubs.  Mary Lou loved to read and to teach others to read.  On July 3rd, 1959, she eloped to Sharon Spring, Kansas and married Lyle Ummel.  He preceded her in death on June 10, 2021.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Kelle Schniepp of Ransom; two sons, Mark Ummel and his wife, Michelle, of Burlingame, Kansas and Jeb Ummel of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle; son, Mitchell Ummel; and two brothers, Wes and Loren Downing.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Ransom Methodist Church followed by inurnment in the Ransom Cemetery. Friends may come to Fitzgerald Funeral Home to sign the book on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ransom City Library or Cedar Village.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book