Mary Lou McDaniel

Mary Lou McDaniel, a hardworking, fun-loving, and devoted nurse who cherished her family dearly, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Carmel following an illness. Mary Lou was born on February 11, 1935, in Knox, Indiana, to the late Edmond and Audrey (Hardesty) Stephenson. She lived in the Knox area most of her life, where she became a pillar of the community and a friend to many. On October 6, 1956, in Valparaiso, she married the love of her life, Harold McDaniel. They shared many wonderful years together until his passing in 1996. A faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Knox, Mary Lou lived her life guided by compassion, service, and faith. She dedicated 42 years of faithful service as a nurse at Starke Memorial Hospital, where her strong work ethic, caring heart, and cheerful spirit touched countless lives. Nursing was more than a profession to Mary Lou—it was a calling, and she carried it out with grace and dedication. Known for her fun-loving personality, Mary Lou enjoyed spending time with friends and family, playing card games, traveling, and creating handmade greeting cards that brought joy to others. Above all else, she cherished her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life. She is survived by her loving children, Dan (Lisa) McDaniel and Jackie McDaniel; her grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle) McDaniel and Nicholas (Melusine) McDaniel; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Emerson McDaniel and Quinn McDaniel. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Harold McDaniel; and her brothers, Monte Stephenson and Duane Stephenson. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Knox. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. CST, with burial in Round Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Mary Lou’s memory to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Mary Lou McDaniel will be remembered for her kind heart, joyful spirit, unwavering dedication, and the deep love she shared with her family and community.

Mary Lou McDaniel

February 11, 1935 - December 23, 2025