Mary Lou Elizabeth Verkamp, 76, Lake Helmerich

Mary Lou Elizabeth Verkamp, 76, of Lake Helmerich, near Huntingburg, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024.  

“Lou” was born July 8, 1948, in Schnellville, Indiana, to Frank Verkamp and Mildred (Thede) Verkamp.  

In her early years, Lou graduated from Birdseye High School in 1966. 

Her first job was as a switchboard operator for the phone company in Jasper, Indiana, until her move to Indianapolis to become employed at Winona Hospital in 1979. She then made the move to Seattle, Washington where she became adept in the field of dialysis, a career she retired from in San Francisco, California. Upon retirement she returned to her native Indiana to Lake Helmerich Village. 

Lou was happily retired. She often talked about her coworkers and people she met along the way with happiness.  

Lou was an avid lover of the arts and crafts. Quilting, sewing, painting, glass art, and working with clay were just a few that she enjoyed. She was also a big fan of the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center in Jasper, where she enjoyed many art shows and events.  

She loved taking a plane ride on her birthday every year,

Politics often dominated many of her conversations, as she was a staunch Democrat. She always tried to educate her friends and family with everything from politics to personal finance through Primerica Financial Services.

Helping people is what Lou did all her life.   

Mary Lou had an infectious laugh. Anyone who was nearby couldn’t help but smile after hearing her. Her loud personality could light up a room, and she never met a stranger!

She is survived by her siblings, Thomas Verkamp of Schnellville, William (Donna) Verkamp of French Lick, and Ellen Blaize of Portersville; nieces and nephews, Fred Welp, Becky (Ed) Schmitt, Janelle (Joel) Bauman, Brendan (Brittney)Verkamp, Ben (Marie)Verkamp, Erika (Luke)Beyke, all of Indiana and a Godchild, Sabrina George-Johnson of Kenner, Louisiana; and great nieces and nephews, Shania, Alexus, Madison, Ava, Bella, Dylan, Libby, Laine, and Maximus.

Proceeded in death by her parents, Frank and Mildred, Joe Blaize and Mona Schultz-Verkamp.

Cremation was chosen with a private family service at Mentor Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to cancer research, local Art Centers or the political party of your choice, as long as it’s the Liberal Democrats.