Mary Louise Godfrey

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Godfrey, 93, of Sioux City, passed away Monday February 23, 2026, at StoneyBrook Suites in Dakota Dunes following a long battle with multiple myeloma.

Services will be at 11:00 am on March 23, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church (1735 Morningside Ave) with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary Lou, the daughter of Lena House, was born March 20, 1932, in Sioux City, IA. Lena would later marry Wayne Oleson and together they would raise Mary Lou in Sioux City where she would graduate from East High School.

Upon graduation, Mary Lou became engaged to Dwight Godfrey, who was serving in the U.S. Army. He would soon be called to serve in Korea, where he would become seriously wounded. A courageous nineteen-year-old, Mary Lou would take the bus alone to Clarksville, TN, with no planned lodging, just so she could be there when the love of her life arrived at the hospital. She would stay in Clarksville for several months, living alone and visiting the hospital each day, helping to nurse Dwight back to health. They were united in marriage on October 12, 1951, in Sioux City, where they made their home and raised their two children. She was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church, attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the current church with many other family members.

In 1984, following retirement, they moved to western Colorado where they spent 20 fun years, making many friends and enjoying golf, playing cards, sewing, quilting, traveling, and exploring the area. Mary Lou became involved in the local theatre, performing in several shows. They returned to Sioux City in 2004, where they enjoyed attending the grandchildren’s events and spending time with their large and wonderful Godfrey family.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Scott (Laura) Godfrey; daughter, Susan Steuer (Jeff Hanson); 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 10 in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Roland and Larry; and 10 in-laws.

A special thank you to those who assisted her throughout her cancer battle and later years of life, especially Dr. Wender and the staff at the cancer center as well as the entire staff at StoneyBrook Suites.

Memorials can be made to the June E Nylen Cancer Center (230 Nebraska St), Grace United Methodist Church (1735 Morningside Ave), or the memorial of your choice.