Mary L. Etheridge

Mary L. (Mary Lou) Snyder Goins Etheridge passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on September 25, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was welcomed home by her parents Wilbur and Dortha Snyder, her siblings Shirley Ming, Lloyd (Sonny) Snyder, and Ralph (Butch) Snyder. Mary Lou was born on July 28, 1941 at St. Charles Hospital in Aurora, IL.

Mary Lou worked several places in her lifetime and had a variety of interests. She worked for Anchor Brush, F.W.Witt & Co, and Shulers Drug Store to name a few. In the 70’s Mary Lou and then husband David L Goins lived at the Kendall County Sherriff and Undersheriff’s residence on Madison Street in Yorkville, IL which also housed the jail. Mary Lou served as a Deputy, a position that she took seriously. She also carried out the positions of Probation and Truant Officer. Mary Lou had the responsibility of feeding the prisoners. The prisoners were fed the same meals as her family, even on steak night! As it was her nature she treated everyone the same, with dignity and respect. Mary Lou had her own furniture stripping business in Illinois. Later in Hardy, Arkansas she and then husband John Etheridge owned and operated a gas & service station. Mary Lou co-owned two antique shops in Plano and Millbrook with her sister Shirley, called Treasured Memories. Prior to retiring, she worked at Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora as a CNA, Comfort Keepers and Visiting Angels providing non-medical in-home care. After “retiring” she found herself needing to do more. Mary Lou began providing private duty care for the residents in her Senior Living residence and others in the community. She was always in service to others! Mary Lou taught integrity and instilled a good work ethic in her children. As well as a heart for serving others. These traits have also carried over to her grand and great-grandchildren. She taught us all to be strong and independent.

Mary is survived by her three daughters; Lori Goins Pierce of Oswego, Renee (Mark) Bjork of Montgomery, Connie (Dennis) Cannon of Yorkville, and son Scott Goins of Oswego. Her legacy lives on through her seven grandchildren; Kimberlee (Josh) Pierce Woodson, Nicole Farnsworth Osterloh, Justin (Annika) Goins, Stephanie Pierce, Crystal Meade, Tyler (Claire) Farnsworth, and Cody (Vicki) Goins, as well as her eight Great-Grandchildren and best friend Cathy Noftz.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548 with a funeral service immediately following. A graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 2200 Suydam Rd. Sandwich, IL 60548. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com 

The family wishes to thank everyone for lifting us up in prayer the last few weeks.