Mary Lou Raftis

Mary Louise Raftis, age 79, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by her family on Monday, August 19, 2019. Mary Lou was born Mary Louise Philip on February 15, 1940 to Peter and Margot Philip (Welter) in Trenton, Michigan. Mary Lou is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Dave Raftis. She is also survived by her siblings Janice Pevoar, Leo (Karen) Philip, and Nancy Philip. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, siblings James Philip and Patricia Kroll and niece, Michelle Philip. She attended Wyandotte Roosevelt High School, where she met the love of her life, Dave, in chemistry class. Mary Lou and Dave married on December 6, 1958. Together, Mary Lou and Dave had five children, David (Juanita) Raftis, Cynthia (David) Thompson, Philip Raftis, Stacey (John) Mohler, and Steven (Laura) Raftis. Nothing brought Mary Lou joy like being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Many people called her Grandma, including her grandchildren: Luke (Jessica) Thompson, Sarah Thompson, Erin (Chris) Praedel, Calie (Kevin) Porembiak, Vincent Chronowski, Alexander Mohler, Anastasia Mohler, Madalyn Raftis, Lia Raftis, and Abigail Raftis. She was blessed to have seven great-grandchildren: Sawyer Thompson, Claire Thompson, Levi Thompson, Lincoln Praedel, Ivan Porembiak, Simon Praedel, and Caleb Porembiak. She also loved her many granddogs who she got to spoil over the years. Mary Lou is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She loved and was loved by so many. Mary Lou lived in Riverview, Michigan since 1966 and, upon Dave's retirement, enjoyed spending part of the year in Naples, Florida. She was an active member at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton, Michigan and also Marco Island Lutheran Church in Florida. She loved spending time with her family and friends, going to concerts in the park, crocheting, crafting, traveling and doing genealogy. She loved going to her grandchildren’s sporting events and enjoyed delivering her baked goods to everyone she loved. Mary Lou will be remembered for her wonderful hugs, strong faith in God, delicious cooking, and her love for her family and friends. She will also be remembered for her love and generosity in assisting a church-sponsored refugee family and helping with many other church activities. A Celebration of Life for Mary Lou will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 10am with a service at 11am. A luncheon will directly follow the service. Memorials can be made to The Music Ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton, Michigan.