Mary Lou Jess

Mary Lou Jess, of Sabula, passed away Saturday, September 30, at her home. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 4, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Preston. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home before the service. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Sabula.

Mary Lou was born August 23, 1945, daughter of Art and Agnes (McDermott) Roling. She was the second oldest of six children, growing up on the family farm outside of Sabula. From a young age Mary Lou rode horses, and that love of horses would stay with her throughout her life. Mary Lou went to Sabula High School, graduating with the class of 1963. In 1988 Mary Lou married Robert Jess. Everyone in attendance, including Mary Lou and Bob were on horseback. The couple was married for 35 years.

Mary Lou had a lifelong love of horses. She had at least one horse for most of her life. She loved trail riding with her family and friends, and making meals while on their trips.
She was always well prepared, and had whatever anyone needed. If she wasn’t riding, Mary Lou was probably fishing or camping. She loved to share her love of the outdoors with her family. Her boys learned to ride from an early age, and they would go camping almost every weekend as they were growing up.

Mary Lou was a lifelong resident of Sabula. She was very proud of her hometown, and even had “Sabula” on her license plate. Mary Lou was happiest when she was taking care of her family and friends. Everyone knew her as Momma Lou. She loved to share her talents in the kitchen, and could whip up a better breakfast than nearly anyone.

Mary Lou will be dearly missed by her three sons, Dwayne (Stacy) Wimpey of Miles, IA, Doug Wilkins Jr. of Miles, and David Wilkins of Sabula; three step-daughters, Lynn (Dusty) Stoll of Preston, Beth (Matt) Dowdell of Kingsland, GA, and Laurie Fay of Clinton, IA; two grandchildren, Ashley (Shannon) Snyder of Sabula, and Jakob (Michaela) Wimpey of Teeds Grove, IA; one great-grandson, Liam; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Colleen (Earl) Burken of Clinton; one brother-in-law, Tom Fogle of Pocahontas, AR; and two sister-in-laws, Mary Nelson of Sabula, and Sharon Roling of Clinton.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her daughter, Sheila Wimpey; her step-son, Brian Jess; her siblings, Diane Krabbenhoft, Holly Fogle, Elmer Roling, and Norman Roling; and her parents, Art and Agnes.