Mary Lou Barger, 94, of Craigville, passed away Sunday morning, Oct. 18, 2026, at Christian Care Retirement Community.
Mary Lou was born in Bluffton on June 8, 1932, to C. Earl and Helen M. (Helms) Watters. She married Truman D. Barger in Bluffton, on June 24, 1951. He preceded her in death on April 19, 2001.
She was a 1950 Bluffton Highschool graduate. She attended the First Reformed Church in Bluffton for many years.
She was a great seamstress and enjoyed quilting, embroidering, reading, cooking and baking pies. She was a farmer’s wife and loved taking care of her home and children. Above all else, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary Lou is survived by two sons, Mike Barger of Craigville and Jim (Mari) Barger of Craigville; a daughter, Cindy Barger White of Fort Wayne; a daughter-in-law, Cindy K. Barger of New Haven; along with seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by a son, Ted Barger; three brothers, Huston D. “Hugh” Watters, Earl L. “Bud” Watters and George D. Watters; a sister, Lovina M. Hunnicutt; a granddaughter, Sarah R. Towne; and a son-in-law David White.
Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home in Bluffton, with a service immediately following at 2 p.m. Dr. Gene Bell will officiate. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the First Reformed Church in Bluffton.
Online condolences may be made at www.goodwinharnish.com