Duck Lake - Mary Lou (Esper, Besneatte) Henige, 87, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2014. She was born on Dec. 7, 1926 in Dearborn, MI., the daughter of Al and Hannah Esper. On Oct. 29, 1949 Mary Lou married Robert S. Besneatte, who preceded her in death on May 28, 2003. Together they raised nine children; Joan M "Julie" Besneatte, Susan M. Nanasi, Patricia A. (Rick) Reid, Ann Marie Wood, Kimberly A. (Michael) Pankow, Mary L. Lazic, John P. (Susan) Besneatte, Kathleen M. (Richard) Bradley, the late Robert M. Besneatte, as well as 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

On Sept. 3, 2005 Mary Lou married John F. (Jack) Henige, a childhood friend who walked her home from school. They had reunited at their 60th high school class reunion. Jack preceded Mary Lou in death on Sept. 19, 2013.

Mary Lou treasured the many gatherings at Duck Lake and was happiest when surrounded by her family. She loved to see her grandkids splashing in the water while sitting on the end of the dock. Mary Lou was lovingly teased for always having a casserole in the oven and serving "nice" ham sandwiches. Mary Lou was a lady in every sense of the word and being a loving mother was her greatest joy. She was our gift, our graceful leader and will be in our hearts forever.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Patricks' Catholic Church at noon on Tues. March 4, 2014 with a visitation held one hour prior at 11:00am. A luncheon will follow the service.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Munson Medical Center.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Mary Lou's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Arrangements for the family have been entrusted to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.