Mary Lou Speakman, 81, of Chillicothe passed 7:20 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026 after an extended illness.

She was born March 10, 1944 to the late Wayne and Mary (Morgan) Bethel.  On December 8, 1963 she married the late Harold "Skeeter" Speakman.  Together they shared 52 years.

Surviving are her children, Bryan Speakman and Tammy (John) Magill; grandchildren, Jeffery (Adrienne) Magill and Brandon (Kelsie) Magill; great grandchildren, Hayden, Morgan, Lane and Evelyn Magill; brothers, Arnold "Bub" and Roger Bethel; brother-in-law, Hershel Speakman; sister-in-law, Jeanne (David) Stevens; several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Oakey Harrison; brother, Wayne Edwin Bethel; mother-in-law, Lillian Speakman and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Mary Lou loved her family and was proud of them all.  She worked several years at the Hall House Group Home, Wal-Mart and over 50 years at the election polls, and was a Girl Scout leader and 4-H advisor.

She will be sadly missed every day.  But she is now reunited with the love of her life, Skeeter, whom she has missed since his passing 11 years ago, and her parents.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Rick Hartley officiating.  Burial will follow in Huntington Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.

You may sign her online register at www.warefh.com