Mary Lou Penka of Ponca City, Oklahoma, died Friday evening, January 6, 2023, in the Ponca City Nursing and Rehab Center at the age of 95 years.

Mary Lou Penka was born on May 7, 1927, in Lamont, Oklahoma, to Raymond E. and Eva Ellen (Tabor) Helms. She grew up attending Lamont Public Schools, graduating in 1944. Following her education she married Hubert W. Penka on February 2, 1945, in Great Bend, Kansas, and she served her family as a homemaker. Her husband worked in the oil and gas industry and his work took them to Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. After they settled in Blackwell she began working for the Blackwell Cleaners. She later worked as a dietician for the Blackwell General Hospital. In her spare time, she washed and ironed clothes for families in Blackwell. Her husband preceded her in death on April 11, 1970, and she continued to make Blackwell her home. Shortly after his death she moved to Ponca City where she resided at the time of her death. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and loved attending services there. She enjoyed handcrafts, but her favorite was crocheting. She also enjoyed cooking and her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Eve Inscore of Medford; two sons, Don L. Penka of Owasso and Hubert Penka Jr. of Ponca City; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and seven great great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Fleta and Nettie; a brother, Harley; and a grandson, Ricky.

Graveside services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 13 ^th in the Blackwell Cemetery with Rev. John Newland officiating.