Mary Lou Grimes, 90, of New Castle passed away peacefully with her family continually at her side on the morning of Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, at UPMC Jameson Hospital.

She was born on Oct. 11, 1926, in New Castle to the late Franklin Sankey McCullough and Cecelia Elizabeth Coyne McCullough.

A homemaker and true matriarch, Mary Lou's children were her entire world. Additionally, she worked for the city of New Castle as a school bus monitor and former crossing guard, retiring in 2015.

She was a member of Mary, Mother of Hope Parish, St. Mary's Church.

Mary Lou enjoyed playing Bingo, cooking, especially for her family, and cherished the time she was able to spend with them.

Her husband, Charles A. Grimes Sr., whom she married on Aug. 3, 1944, preceded her in death on July 8, 2006.
She is survived by a daughter, Cecelia Ann Ryan and her fiancé, Phil Sawyer, of New Castle; four sons, Charles A. (Barbara) Grimes Jr., of Bringhurst, Indiana, Ronald E. (Barbara) Grimes and Franklin S. Grimes, all of New Castle; and Richard E. Grimes and his fiancée, Cathy Williams, of New Wilmington; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy McCullough of New Castle and Mabel McCullough of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by a son, James M. Grimes; and four brothers, Franklin S., Edward L., Jackson F. and James M. McCullough.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery.