The following is Mary Lou's obituary - may she rest easy after an enriching  life fulfilled:

Mary Lou Overstreet Rosson, dedicated mother, committed Christian, talented musician; and a friend to everyone she ever met, died Oct. 26, 2020, at her home in Milwaukie, Oregon.

Mary Lou was born a fifth generation Texan in Brownwood, Texas, May 16, 1937, to the Rev. Clifford and Alma Kate Overstreet. She was raised as a single child; an older brother was lost in childbirth.

She grew up in the Southern Baptist Church, developing a faith that sustained her throughout her life. Her father was a longtime pastor of South Park Baptist Church in Houston, Texas before his final church assignment in Liberty, Texas.

In 1955, she graduated with honors from Dickinson High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a cheerleader. That year, she also married the love of her life, Lee Harold Rosson. They had met when they were nine years old, fell in love in high school and married shortly after graduation. A talented pianist and vocalist, she had the opportunity to intern with Houston Opera. Instead, she became a mother in quick succession to four children. An oft-repeated family joke was that because Mary Lou and Lee were such young parents, their children raised them.

They lived in various places in Texas, following Lee’s work, until in 1967 Lee took a job in Seattle, Wash., and moved the family to nearby Vashon Island. After their youngest child graduated from high school, Mary Lou accompanied and supported Lee as he worked on nuclear plants at various locations in the world.

Their locales ranged from Pusan, Korea to Barcelona, Spain. They loved both the Asian and Spanish cultures, while maintaining their Texan roots. They ultimately established retirement homes in Onalaska, Wash., and Cottonwood, Texas.

Throughout her life, Mary Lou generously shared her musical talent with church communities wherever she lived. After retirement, she played piano with the “Snowbirds” big band, which toured Southwestern states in winter, performing WW2 era music at upscale RV parks. For her professional life, she held numerous office jobs, but especially thrived as a teacher. As a young mother, she taught kindergarten at a private church school. She gave piano lessons to numerous youngsters, and in Korea, she taught English to middle school students.

She nurtured friends and family both spiritually and with her culinary skills. Her specialties ranged from Shrimp Gumbo, reminiscent of her southern roots, to Korean stir-fries. Her caring nature was apparent as she unfailingly exhibited more concern for others than for herself. Even as she was dying, she would greet visitors and callers with an inevitable, “How’re you doin’?”

The heartbreak of her life was to lose her son, Thomas Caroll, who preceded her in death in 2008.

She is survived by daughter Mary Lee Calmes (Joe), Kerrville, Texas;

son Clifford Harold Rosson (Doris), Eagle Creek, Oregon; daughter Kathryn Lorraine Rosson (Rob Gaudin), Portland; daughter-in-law Roxanne Rosson (Hitchcock, Texas); grandchildren Christine Marie Roberson (Jeff) Maui, Hawaii; Clifford Lee Rosson (Michelle), Seattle; Meagan Lorraine Rosson, New York City; Lee Lorraine Michael (Garrett), Vancouver, Wash.; Robert Thomas Rosson- Alstat, Yucca Valley, Calif.; great-grandchildren, Kell Evan and Hunter Lorin Michael, and numerous friends throughout the world.

After Mary Lou entered hospice care, her family decided not to wait to celebrate her life. They gathered Sept. 12 at Waverley Country Club with Mary Lou attending. “This is the way to die,” she declared.  A celebration for her friends was held at Gracepointe Church, Milwaukee, Sept. 28.

Memorial donations are suggested to Gracepointe Church, 10750 SE 42nd Ave., Milwaukie, OR 97222.