Mary Lou Ruelas

Mary Lou Ruelas, 64, of Sunnyside WA, was welcomed into the arms of her lord on September 24, 2020 after a selfless battle with cancer.

Mary Lou was born on February 7, 1956 in Tacoma, WA to Winona Boyd (Atkins) and Harvey Franzoni. She was raised and educated in Sunnyside after which she made her home and raised her family in Grandview. She retired after 23 years working for Wal-Mart where she made lifelong friends and met her beloved husband, Ricardo Ruelas. She cherished the many happy years they shared together dancing, camping, and enjoying their beloved pets Buttons and Lulu, until Ricardo's passing in 2014.

Mary Lou enjoyed baking, camping, and singing karaoke with her best friends: sister, Betty and mother Winona. She lovingly and compassionately served as a volunteer, organizer, and participant for multiple Sunnyside organizations including, VFW, food bank, Senior Center, Eagles, and Meals on Wheels. She was faithful to her Christian beliefs and attended both Cornerstone and First Baptist Church of Sunnyside.

Mary Lou is survived by her three children, Kenneth (Tammy) Knowles of Graham, WA, David Knowles of Grandview, WA, and Winona Simmons (Patrick) of Renton, WA. Grandkids: Kaden, Ian, Raegann, Shyla, Kierra, Patrick, Raymond, and one great grandchild Elianna. She is also survived by her mother, Winona Atkins, her siblings Dewaine (Karen) Franzoni, Betty Franzoni, Kim Cruz, David (Doris) Simmons, Ben (Ester) Simmons, Wesly (Sherri) Simmons, and Rocky (Laura) Simmons, and her devoted companion Tad Ledlin. Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband Ricardo Ruelas and her father David B. Simmons.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Burial will follow at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign Mary Lou's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lou Ruelas, please visit our floral store.