Mary Lou (Parmley) Root

Mary Lou Root, 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Fountainview Care Center in Mishawaka.

Mary was born on June 16, 1955, in South Bend to the late Elmer and Mary (Sheaks) Parmley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Judy Parmley, Kay Selcz, Deena Smith, and Connie Ferrence.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Shannon Root, Crystal (Juan) Caldera, and Melissa Root; her grandchildren, Lauren (Jeremy), Dimitri, Ashton, Ray (Gabriella), Davian, Jernei, Juan (Paiton), Seth (Siyara), Emely, Angel, and Jase; her great-grandchildren, Briella, Calvin, Essence, Sophia, Madison, and Coraline; her brother, Ralph Parmley; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was an extremely hard worker throughout her life. She was employed at Curtis Products and RACO before retiring. A proud member of the American Legion Unit 284 Auxiliary, Mary later served as a bartender at Post 284, something she truly enjoyed. In her younger years, she volunteered at the East Race and participated in the Citizens Police Academy in South Bend.

In her spare time, Mary enjoyed going to the casino and testing her luck, which always seemed to be on her side. She loved being out in the sun and spending time with her cat, Mila.

The family would like to thank Melissa at Heart to Heart Hospice; Sam, Jay, Jammie, Bri, Victor, Richard, and Angela of Fountainview Care Center; and the entire team at Ascent Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Mary.

Memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Mary Lou Root may be made out to Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545, or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.