White, Mary Lou (Wenger; Risser) March 8, 1939—December 16, 2017

Mary Lou Wenger from the northwestern Illinois town of Sterling was an active member of our class, graduating in 1961 with a degree in English. Her interests included the Board of Religion, YWCA, the Women’s Recreation Association, and Women’s Honor G athletic club for her participation in swimming. Student government also benefited from her service as a member of the Mears Hall Baffleboard, 1959-60, and then President of Cleveland Hall, 1960-61. She was a candidate for Homecoming Queen and Cyclone Queen.

Our class mate, Susan Barnhart Clayton, met Mary Lou the first week of our freshman year and the two became great friends and roommates for three of our four years at the College. Susan says, “It is a friendship that has spanned the last 60 years, different life paths, and many moves. I ended up in California and she in Oklahoma but we talked often, laughed a lot, and visited as much as we could. We often looked back on who we were in June of 1961 and how we thought our lives would unfold. In reminiscing over the last 55 years we always got a big chuckle over the joys and absurdities of how life really played out. It was great to have a friend who remembered when life was just beginning to unfold. I keep looking forward to our next call and sharing our holiday tales. I miss her and the friendship that spanned so many years and life changes.”

Immediately after our graduation, Mary Lou and classmate Paul G. Risser were married in her home town of Sterling. They then moved to Bar Harbor, Maine and Madison, Wisconsin where she taught in elementary schools while he pursued graduate education. Later they lived in Norman, Oklahoma. The two of them were parents of three sons: David Kiefer Risser, Mark Gillan Risser and Stephen Paul Risser. Subsequently Mary Lou and Paul were divorced.

In Norman, Mary Lou was active in the community as a kind and generous woman whose life revolved around her family and friends. Supporting her church and community was also of great importance to her. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Norman, and was involved in the Junior League of Norman, PEO, and the Assistance League. Mary Lou was a social butterfly, and could always be counted on for a luncheon, a game of bridge, or bunko with her group. She loved to travel and was an avid Oklahoma City Thunder (men’s professional basketball team) and Oklahoma University fan.

In 1973, Mary Lou married Kenneth White of Norman, who was a life insurance salesman. Her sons said he was the best step-father they could have asked for. He was caring, loving, funny, and engaged. Unfortunately he passed away in 1991.

Mary Lou is survived by her three sons, their spouses, nine grandchildren, sister Jane Wenger of Norman, Oklahoma and two nieces and their families.

Duane W. Krohnke