"Mary-Lou was such a kind-hearted, caring person. She welcomed me with open arms and was a home away from home for me as a young teenaged girl. I always felt safe and relaxed in her presence. I will miss her and feel deeply honored to have known her. I am so grateful to have been able to see her again as an adult. Marissa and Lindsey, you are in my thoughts. God will comfort you. You are carrying on her legacy of love and gentleness and she will always be with you!"
In loving memory of
Mary Lou (Bryte) Arnett
February 26, 1959 - June 19, 2020
Mary Lou (Bryte) Arnett was born on February 26, 1959 in Nebraska City, NE to G. Reldon and Vineta (Haning) Bryte. Mary Lou grew up on the family farm in Fremont County and she graduated from Farragut High School in 1977. She graduated with honors from Tarkio College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology.
Mary Lou had a great passion for her career as an activity director at retirement homes in the Omaha area. She was so thoughtful about planning activities and outings, making sure she was helping to add joy to the lives of residents each day. While working, she built many lasting relationships with the residents and their families. Mary Lou also enjoyed working part-time as a banquet server at Embassy Suites for social events and weddings.
Mary Lou had two daughters, Marissa and Lindsey, and enjoyed her role as a mother most of all. In recent years, as she became a grandma, she was thrilled to be able to provide full-time daycare for her grandchildren for as long as she was able. Exploring new places and making memories while being with her family was her greatest joy.
Mary Lou also had a great love for animals and provided a loving home for her dogs and other pets over the years, where they were always loved and spoiled.
Mary Lou was known for her genuine and kind personality. Her smile was contagious and could light up the room. Mary Lou upheld her faith and a strong will to fight her illness. She remained a brave and inspiring woman throughout her battle.
Preceding Mary Lou in death were her parents and infant sister, Patricia Jo.
Left to cherish her memory are: her husband Donald Arnett of Omaha, NE; daughters Marissa (Matthew) Schuster of Omaha, NE and Lindsey (Cameron) Dohse of Omaha, NE; sister Susan (Randy) Bryte-Eddings of Marana, AZ, brother Jim Bryte of Omaha, NE, sister Terri (Rex) Allen of Red Oak, IA; grandchildren Brayden, Alivia and Caleb Schuster, along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Graveside Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at the Locust Grove Cemetery in rural Farragut, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at the Locust Grove Methodist Church in rural Farragut, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Locust Grove Fellowship Hall or Estabrook Cancer Center. Those attending the visitation and graveside services are urged to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Tributes
"My condolences to the family. Rest in peace Mary Lou."
"Mary Lou and I grew up in the Tarkio College era when we were just adolescents/young teenagers. Each of us had a parent that worked there as well as family members who attended there during those early years. After first meeting Mary Lou at a band camp held on campus, (I lived in Tarkio.) we became good friends for years to come. I was fortunate enough to discover only a year or so ago we both lived in Omaha! It was wonderful to reconnect with her again and I realized that she was the same dear sweet sensitive friend that I knew years ago. I loved her then and I love her now. What I most respected in her was her deep love for her family, pets and friends. She will be missed but remembered and loved in our hearts. I am so sorry for your loss. Carmen Pirruccello"
"Great lady and friend. Will be missed by all that knew her. Prayers to the family. "
"She was a beautiful soul. Thank you for your friendship. I love you. "
"Marissa, Matt, Lindsey, & Family,
Our prayer and thoughts are being sent to all of you! May God's Eternal Light Shine Upon Mary Lou!
Troy & Kathy Brand and Family"
"Mary Lou was such a soft spoken and kind person. Always had a smile and laugh. Our prayers and condolences to the family. Gregg and Carolyn Foster"
"Terri and family, we are sorry to learn of your sisters death. She sure looked like you. Sending prayers for all in your family."
"MaryLou was a joy to have in my life. She was always positive with a smile that would light up a room. She would go the extra mile in making you feel welcome and do anything for you. She will be dearly missed. "
"So sorry for your loss. Mary Lou was a wonderful person. Tim"
"Family of Mary Lou, I was sorry to read about Mary Lou's passing on KMA this morning. Chuck Morgan"
"I lost a very dear friend but Heaven gained a beautiful, gentle soul who loved her family so very much. "
"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family ,May your hearts find comfort in Gods beautiful promises for the future. John 6:40"
"I have an empty hole in my heart... I miss her terribly already..... Our lives were intertwined with a strong bond and she will forever be my very, very special friend... I Love You Mary Lou... now Rest in Peace with no more pain...I am watching for signs of you to come visit me! And I when I drink Dr. Pepper - I will say a Cheer to you! Miss you my Friend..."