Biography:

Mary Lou Menefee, 94, of Little Rock passed away peacefully at her home of the past 42 years, August 24, 2026 . She was born in Peoria, Illinois February 12, 1932, to John W. and Lucille (Yingst) McGann and raised in West Peoria, the youngest of 4. Her copper red hair was an early indication of the fire, grit, and will that she embodied her entire life. She married Paul M. Menefee on September 9, 1961, and quickly started their greatest adventure, raising a family of 4 sons and one precious daughter, Molly Menefee-Donner, who preceded them in death. She was also preceded in death by Paul in 2020; her parents; two brothers: John “Jack” and Robert McGann and one sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Beaird. She is survived by her  four sons, Tim (Jill), Joe (Angie), Tom, and John (Susan) Menefee; three grandsons, Andrew Donner, Carter and Zach (Haileigh) Menefee; one granddaughter, Alex Menefee; one step granddaughter, Melissa McHenry (Jason);  one step-grandson, Benjamin Frakes; two great-grandsons, Cash Menefee and Cohen Donner; four great granddaughters, Ava Menefee ; Ivy and Nora Rowe; and Ella Donner; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was a graduate of the Academy of Our Lady High School in Peoria; her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; Her Registered Nurse accreditation came from St John’s Hospital Nursing Program in St Louis, Mo. With her RN in hand, she returned to Peoria to begin her lifelong passion for nursing. She began as the School Nurse at Richwoods High School; moved into her first Public Health Position at the Peoria County Health Department; and then to St Francis Hospital. As the kids came fast and furious, she worked overnights from 11pm – 7 am and shifts on weekends in order to be home while Paul worked the day shift, but still took her turn as a Room Mother, Mother’s Club, and coached intramural boys’ basketball along the way. After the last kid hit school age, she put her mind to earning a master’s degree and decided Business Administration was the way to go. That meant moving into teaching Nursing at Illinois Central College while knocking out required math and business courses, and teaching at teaching summer courses at night at the University of Illinois, Springfield to help pay tuition. She proudly earned her MBA from Bradley University with her husband and five children in attendance, the only female MBA candidate in her class. She began her next phase of Nursing as Director of Nursing for the Tazewell County Health Department and included time as the President of the Illinois Nurse’s Association. In the Winter of 1983, she and Paul left Peoria with three teenagers and started over in Little Rock when she was hired as Director of Nursing for the Arkansas Department of Health. She remained at ADOH until she retired. Post retirement included time working for the Arkansas State Police Crime Lab; volunteer work at St Vincent’s Hospital; and even doing taxes at H&R Block.

Mary Lou considered the effort she put into raising her family as her highest priority outside of her Catholic Faith and her 59-year marriage. She was, plain and simple, a mom and practiced her craft for over 60 years. Every family get together includes stories of slips, falls, accidents and near misses that only a hands-on “Boy Mom” would have been a part. She earned her honorary doctorates in nutrition, finance, and first aid (especially butterfly bandages) as the family grew. Balancing the household budget meant sewing, canning tomatoes from Paul’s garden, and even haircuts on Saturday. When she set up shop in the dim lights of the basement, she was just likely to produce a Dorothy Hamil wedge cut on her unsuspecting sons as a crew cut. Like everything she did, she perfected the process and was quite an accomplish barber as time went on. The state of Arkansas brought new challenges, opportunities, and connections. She was hired by Governor Bill Clinton, who reminded her that he had to sign off on her salary when she was hired, and even had the opportunity to play cards with his mother, Virginia Kelley on several occasions. With family in both Peoria and Arkansas, and a high-profile career, she somehow balanced the three quite well and was a very active Grandmother. “Mimi” cherished the time with her boys in Little Rock, Andrew and Carter, and she loved visiting Peoria to check in on Zach and Alex. She always made a point to be there for big moments. When the Great Grandchildren arrived Mimi’s face lit up with joy when she had the chance to hold them or watch them play. Her love and generosity were boundless, and it wasn’t limited to just her own family. There was always room at the table for an extra plate for “her boys”, including Dan, Jimmy, Johnny, James, Ronnie, Marvin, and many, many more. She was a cancer survivor of 30 plus years; a lifelong learner; a huge Notre Dame fan and a devoted viewer of EWTN. She gave the best hugs (especially before the long trip to or from Peoria), she was an incredible listener and offered sage advice to all who needed it.  

The family would like to send our sincere appreciation to her caregivers who helped make her life comfortable to the end, especially Andie, Kresha, Jen, and Liz for going above and beyond during his last days.

Visitation will be held from Noon until 1 pm, Saturday, September 12, at Christ the King Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR with Mass starting at 1 pm. There will be a burial for both Mary Lou and Paul in Peoria at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mary Lou’s name to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA; EWTN at 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210; St Mark’s School Attn Shannon Alexander at 711 N. Underhill, Peoria, IL 61606.  Also, if you get the chance, call your parents; support a local Fire Department; join the American Legion or other Veterans Organizations; go to Church, or relax at a Community Festival. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com