Mary Louise “Mary Lou” (Meneghini) Crays, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on September 9, 1934, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mary Lou was the daughter of James and Beatrice Meneghini. She attended St. Frances de Sales Grade School and Warren High School.

Mary Lou’s greatest love story began in the first grade, where she met William G. “Bill” Crays. After attending grade school together, they lost touch during high school until fate reunited them at a drive-in theater. That chance encounter blossomed into a lifelong romance. They were married in 1953 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and built a beautiful life together, raising four children while also enduring the heartbreak of two miscarriages. Their marriage was a remarkable testament to faith, devotion, and enduring love, spanning 72 years filled with laughter, friendship, and unwavering commitment.

A woman of deep faith, Mary Lou loved the Lord and was devoted to her Catholic faith. For 65 years, she faithfully served as the organist at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, sharing her musical gifts in worship and enriching the lives of countless parishioners. She generously volunteered her time with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and the Heart Hospital, always seeking opportunities to serve others with kindness and compassion.

Mary Lou embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She enjoyed many years of tennis and bowling and treasured the fellowship of Bridge and Euchre card parties with family and friends. She will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, steadfast faith, and the love she poured into her family and community.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Gary L. Crays (Viki), Madonna L. Miles (Christopher), Cynthia J. Roberts (Vince), and Annette M. Waterman (Keith); her grandchildren, Dustin Crays (Stefanie), Jesse Crays, Erin Floyd (Kenney), Sean Miles (Jennifer), Heidi Lanigan, and Jordan Lanigan; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her sister, Lyla Rau.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William G. “Bill” Crays, and her parents, James and Beatrice Meneghini.

Visitation for Mary Lou will be held from 5:30pm-8:00pm, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 4650 Shadeland Avenue, Lawrence, Indiana 46226. Entombment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Lou’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry (online here or addressed to Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 2500 Churchman Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203).

Mary Lou’s legacy of faith, service, music, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with the love of her life and now rests in the eternal peace of God’s embrace.