Mary Lou Cronkhite

CRONKHITE, Mary Lou, 72, MARS HILL, at Presque Isle, January 26, 2012. Interment will take place in the spring at Tapley Cemetery in Blaine. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill.

    MARS HILL – Mary Lou Cronkhite, 72, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012, at a Presque Isle hospital. She was born August 3, 1939, in Mars Hill, the daughter of Howard and Evelyn (Hallett) Tapley.

    Mary Lou was a graduate of the Bridgewater Classical Academy. She worked for many years for area growers picking potatoes or in the potato house. She was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed visiting friends, reading, and loved to do crossword puzzles.

    She is survived by her husband, Dalton Cronkhite Sr. of Mars Hill; four children: John and his wife, Patricia of Presque Isle, Rick and his wife, Shelli of Blaine, Shelly Cooper and her husband, Ellis of Morganton, NC, and Frankie and his partner, Jeff Spencer of Limerick. She also leaves behind three grandchildren: Katelyn Murphy, Tori Moorefield, and Joshua Cronkhite; five step-grandchildren: Angel Gilberty, Ben Small, Renee Belmain, Chase Lunney, and Emma Lunney; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Anna Marie Larrabee of Blaine; as well as several nieces and nephews.

    In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Dalton Cronkhite Jr.; and ten brothers and sisters.

    A memorial service was conducted 1 p.m., Monday, January 30, 2012, at the Westfield United Baptist Church with Pastor Lawrence Beals officiating. Friends called from noon until time of service at the church. Interment will take place in the spring at Tapley Cemetery in Blaine. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com